Veterinary Assistant

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Full Time Technical Des Moines, IA, US

Shelter Veterinary Assistant

Be part of the medical care shelter animals depend on.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a reliable and compassionate Shelter Veterinary Assistant to support the medical care of animals in the care of the ARL. This role helps provide hands‑on patient care, animal handling, treatment support, medical monitoring, and daily assistance to the shelter veterinary team.

This is a great opportunity for someone with professional animal‑handling experience who is interested in shelter medicine and wants to make a meaningful difference for animals. Shelter Veterinary Assistants work closely with veterinarians, veterinary team members, and other team members to support the health, comfort, and recovery of shelter animals.

Schedule

We are currently open to both full‑time and part‑time candidates with opportunities 7 days a week between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Full‑time:

• 40 hours per week
• Schedules are typically four 10‑hour days
• Schedule may include weekdays, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts based on shelter medical needs

Part‑time:

• Up to 31 hours per week
• Hours may vary based on availability and department needs
• Schedule may include weekdays, weekends, holidays and rotating shifts based on shelter medical needs

About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest non‑profit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources. Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary team members with exams, treatments, procedures, and shelter animal medical care.
• Safely handle, restrain, and care for animals of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical needs.
• Support daily medical rounds, treatment plans, medication administration, and patient monitoring,as directed.
• Prepare treatment areas, supplies, equipment, and animal housing areas for medical care.
• Monitor animals for changes in health, behavior, comfort, or recovery and communicate concerns promptly.
• Clean and disinfect equipment, kennels, treatment areas, and medical work spaces.
• Assist with basic laboratory preparation,supply stocking, and medical equipment maintenance.
• Document information accurately and follow shelter medical, safety, sanitation, and animal handling procedures.

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED required, or ability to obtain one.
• At least one year of hands‑on professional animal‑handling experience, required.
• Experience in an animal shelter veterinary team role, veterinary clinic medical role, or similar professional animal‑care environment, preferred.
• Comfort safely handling and caring for animals with varying medical, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Basic understanding of animal behavior and humane handling techniques including a willingness to become Fear Free Handling certified.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and adapt to changing priorities.
• Reliable, compassionate, and able to work in a fast‑paced shelter medical environment.
• Basic computer skills, required.
• No formal veterinary education or certification required; on-the-job training is provided, however, potential for educational support if pursuing a CVT program.

Benefits for…