Shelter Veterinary Assistant: Hands-On Care & Surgery

The working schedule for this position is Monday-Friday- 11am-8:00pm. Off on Saturday and Sunday.

Who We Are

ACC is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters, whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 20,000 animals each year. ACC is more than an animal shelter; we are a resource to the community, always seeking ways to keep the human-animal bond intact. With a 90% placement rate, our progressive, life-saving initiatives contribute to the successful placement of our animals.

We strive to find loving homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, both by adopting animals directly to the public and by partnering with more than 200 dedicated animal placement organizations (our New Hope partners). We also help keep NYC communities safe and rescue animals in need, responding to emergencies that involve animals as well as keeping our doors open 24/7 for people and animals in need.

Summary

Assists in the provisions of basic care for animals in the shelter by providing support to the LVT’s and veterinarians. Performs initial screening examinations, documents medical findings, and administers a variety of medical treatments. Facilitates accurate and timely data entry, including photographic documentation as needed. Administers topical and oral medications, bathe and groom animals, and provide direct assistance to veterinary team as directed.

Ensures basic maintenance tasks are performed in a timely fashion to ensure smooth functioning of the department.

Required Qualifications :

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 12 months previous experience working with animals in a veterinary or shelter setting.
• Must be willing to apply for certification as a euthanasia technician.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs and stand for prolonged periods of time.

ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health by offering a great open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees as well as 401K and Pension, Life Insurance. We also have on-the-job training for 2-4 weeks, periodic all staff trainings to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.

Because ACC is a nonprofit, employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF allows borrowers who work full time for nonprofits and government agencies to have their outstanding debt forgiven tax-free on Federal Direct Loans, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

• Provide safe and effective restraint for all procedures.
• Assist with all aspects of surgery – pre, intra, and postoperatively.
• Obtain basic vitals of hospitalized animals when directed and notify veterinarians when outside of the normal parameters.

Other Responsibilities :

• Understand basic pharmacology including abbreviations, medications, and their purpose, to aid with medicate animals orally and/or topically.
• Assist in performing and obtaining diagnostics (radiographs, blood work, cultures, etc.).
• Assist in feeding and other basic husbandry care of animals.
• Under the direction of a veterinarian, accurately document medical exam findings, vaccinations, medications, surgery information and treatments in Shelter Buddy medical records.
• Facilitate transfer of animals from intake or medical areas and into appropriate housing.
• Communicate effectively, cordially, and promptly within and outside of the department.
• Maintain handling and restraint…