Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Three

The Shelter Medicine Assistant Level Three performs a variety of animal health care duties and assists the veterinarian in examining and preparing animals for surgery and adoption. The Shelter Medicine Assistant Level 3 ensures high quality animal care in accordance with the AHS mission and goals and communicates effectively with peers, volunteers, and leadership.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of teamwork, positivity, compassion, and performance excellence
• Conduct physical exams and relay pertinent information to the Veterinarian
• Handle animals in a humane and gentle manner according to established safety policies and procedures and Fear Free methodologies
• Calculate drug dosages for individual animals
• Administer intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections
• Perform induction and intubation of patients for surgical procedures
• Monitor anesthesia through recovery and understand basic anesthesia principles
• Preparation of surgical patients using aseptic technique
• Place intravenous catheters
• Accurately enters and maintains records in shelter medical database
• Sterilizes surgical instruments and keeps up with laundry
• Remain alert and aware of animal behavior and physical condition
• Report concerns to appropriate departments or managers
• Maintain safe and sanitary areas for animals to ensure they are clean, dry, and comfortable
• Properly cleans and disinfects animal holding facilities according to established protocols
• Collect samples for diagnostic testing, including blood draws, feces and urine collection, radiographs, etc.
• Accurately perform diagnostic tests as requested by the Veterinarians including but not limited to fecal flotation, ELISA tests (parvovirus, heartworm, FeLV/FIV), TiterChek tests, urinalyses, and Woods lamp evaluation
• Interacts with other departments to provide information and care
• Work cooperatively with other departments, volunteers, and locations to accomplish departmental and AHS goals
• Provides relief assistance to other locations
• Other duties as assigned

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Minimum of six months experience in a similar capacity in an animal shelter, veterinary hospital or clinic preferred
• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills and knowledge
• Willingness to complete GVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant Level 1 (employer paid)
• Willingness to complete AHS Medical Certification Level 1-3
• Computer literate in a Windows environment; PetPoint experience preferred
• Ability to utilize effective problem solving/decision making skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written
• Ability to multi-task and handle a high stress, emotional environment
• Ability to travel and provide program support to other AHS locations and departments
• General knowledge of animal welfare preferred
• Obtain certificate as certified euthanasia technician within 12 months of hire
• Must be able to work well with a diverse clientele; different races, ethnicities, faiths, sexual orientations, income levels, etc.
• Requires humane handling of animals and safe handling of cleaning supplies, chemicals and equipment in compliance with safety rules and according to SDS rules
• Works in high noise level areas
• Physical efforts require constant bending, lifting 50 lbs.+, stooping, and standing
• Exposure to dogs and cats of all sizes and varying degrees of behavior and/or medical conditions.
• Exposure to animal waste and common allergens