Surgical Veterinary Assistant

Join to apply for the Surgical Veterinary Assistant role at Asheville Humane Society

Since 1984, we’ve dedicated ourselves to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve – a life worth living. Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them.

This position is primarily responsible for assisting the surgical staff with pre‑, peri‑ and post‑operative care of patients, administering medications and general cleaning and care of the surgical facility. The Surgical Veterinary Assistant will be working off site at a veterinary surgical facility on the Buncombe County Animal Care Campus.

10‑hour shifts, Monday‑Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (40 hours/week). This schedule may be adjusted in the future.

Compensation starts at $18.25/hour. Benefits—including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more—are available after 60 days of employment.

• Comfort and competency in restraint and handling of all types and sizes of animals for pre‑op exams, surgical induction, and recovery.
• Assist with the movement of patients, recovery of patients, and general flow during surgery.
• Prepare patients for surgery, ensuring sterility and safety of clinic procedures.
• Monitor anesthesia with a clear understanding of abnormal conditions.
• Respond appropriately during emergencies, taking direction from a veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, and maintaining competency in CPR procedures.
• Prep surgical instruments for cleaning, pack preparation, and sterilization.
• Calculate dosages and prepare/fill medications for animals.
• Monitor patients during recovery from anesthesia.
• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures.
• Ensure accurate record‑keeping procedures are followed daily.
• Provide basic kennel assistant duties.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Provide high‑level customer service to partners and clients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED; associate's degree or higher preferred.
• Prior experience in private veterinary practice or a high‑volume spay/neuter practice as an assistant or technician.
• Knowledge of basic veterinary medical and surgical concepts.
• Working knowledge of infectious disease control.
• Basic veterinary assistant duties capable.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and communication skills.
• Professional interaction with volunteers and co‑workers.
• Ability to multi‑task, problem‑solve, and coordinate multiple schedules with high attention to detail.
• Good hand‑eye coordination and dexterity in hands and fingers.
• Good hearing, including ability to distinguish changes in pitch.
• Reasonable agility to move through tightly cramped areas.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors.

Entry level

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Non‑profit Organizations