Working at the SPCA of Tompkins County is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. We are a skilled, compassionate team dedicated to finding loving homes for animals who have experienced homelessness, neglect, illness, or injury. There is a strong sense of camaraderie here, grounded in a shared commitment to giving vulnerable animals a second chance. Each year, we celebrate the joy of hundreds of kittens growing into healthy, adoptable companions. We witness dogs and puppies begin again with renewed hope. Few things are more rewarding than seeing an animal who simply needed a break find their forever home. Every day, you and your colleagues have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals who need it most. Does being part of a team like this speak to you? If so, we invite you to read on.
The Veterinary Assistant supports the medical and daily care needs of shelter animals by administering treatments and vaccinations, assisting with intake exams, monitoring ongoing medical cases, and maintaining accurate medical records in the shelter software system. This role works closely with veterinary staff to coordinate care for in-shelter and foster animals, assists with surgery preparation and recovery, supports disease control and appropriate housing placement, and helps facilitate transport for diagnostics and off-site care. The position also requires compassionate participation in humane euthanasia and a willingness to become euthanasia certified.
The primary tasks of a veterinary assistant are:
Performing daily medical treatments, vaccinations, rechecks and intake exams on animals.
Assisting veterinary staff with keeping track of animal's medical care including communicating and coordinating with vets when animals are reported to be sick, injured, or if they are not responding to the current medical treatment that is being provided.
Coordinating sending animals to foster, following-up with foster parents regarding animals, scheduling exams for animals in foster, and gathering foster supplies.
Assisting in surgery as needed and preparing surgical equipment, surgical packs, and supplies for use in surgery.
Entering information into the shelter software system.
Assisting with the humane euthanasia of animals, and eventually becoming euthanasia-certified to perform humane euthanasia.
The daily routine of a veterinary assistant includes:
Administering medical treatments to the animals in our care. This includes giving injections, giving topical and oral medications, medicated baths/dips, monitoring patients on IV fluids, and providing medical care to the animals as directed by the veterinary staff. This also includes communicating daily medical concerns from other staff and volunteers to veterinary staff.
Monitoring animals currently being treated, and recording the findings on the animal's treatment sheet and in the shelter software.
Assisting with the appropriate placement of animals coming in to the shelter, and animals already in our care that may be sick/contagious to other animals. Moving sick animals into the appropriate isolation area as soon as possible, or alerting a veterinarian for assistance if there may be a more serious illness or contagious disease.
Performing/assisting with basic initial intake examinations. This includes giving vaccinations (except Rabies vaccine), and running the tests. Giving the appropriate dewormer, flea treatment, and ear mite treatment. Entering exams into shelter software and alerting veterinary staff of any concerns. Scheduling animals that are ready for surgery and communicating when animals are cleared to move to the adoption center. Keeping housing cards and shelter software up to date with the animal's information.
Performing examinations on animals in foster care, providing the appropriate vaccinations, treatments, and scheduling surgery when the animals are ready to come back to the shelter. This includes assisting foster parents with illness regarding their foster pets using the protocols provided, and scheduling veterinary checks with a doctor if needed.
Providing booster vaccinations, deworming, ear mite treatments on a regular basis. This includes animals located off-site at times.
Assisting in surgery as needed by helping with recovery of patients from anesthesia and serving as an extra pair of hands when needed by a technician or veterinarian.
Preparing surgical equipment, surgery packs and supplies as needed for use in surgery.
Monitoring the weights of the animals in the shelter on a scheduled basis and reporting concerns to the veterinary staff.
Entering data into shelter software.
Transporting samples to the Cornell diagnostic lab.
Transporting animals for medical care as needed or to off-site adoption locations as needed.
Assisting with the humane euthanasia of animals as needed. This position does require that the veterinary assistant be willing to become euthanasia-certified to perform euthanasia as needed.
Job Type
Full-time, 40 hours a week with days to be discussed based on availability and need. Must be able to work at least one weekend day. Must be willing to work some holidays as shared between staff.
Benefits
Paid time off
Requirements
At least 1 year of prior animal experience preferred. A desire to learn is required.
Must work well both independently and as part of a team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Must be computer literate. Prior experience with shelter or vet software preferred.
Working Conditions
Fast-paced, physically active environment
Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and work on your feet for extended periods
May involve exposure to noise, odors, animal waste, and unpredictable animal behavior
Weekend and some holiday shifts required
Allergic conditions which are aggravated when handling or working with animals may be a disqualification
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
