A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

Position Title: Veterinary Assistant - 40 hours

Purpose Summary:

To provide for the comfort and health care for dogs and cats at the shelter, assisting the veterinary and shelter team with the daily activities of the PAWS Spay/Neuter Clinic and medical program helping to maintain efficient shelter health operations.

VALUES
All employees and volunteers exemplify the values of PAWS and exhibit mindful demonstration of:

           Commitment – A champion for animals no matter the difficulty.

           Compassion – Acting to ease pain and distress.

           Kindness – Demonstrating caring toward all living beings.

           Respect – Welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

           Trust – Believing in the ability and positive intention of others.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assists with the administration of daily medications and supportive treatments or procedures.  Supports the animals in isolation wards through the administration of medications, fluids, supplemental feeding and other treatments for injuries or illness as prescribed by the CAS veterinarian. Performs other health care procedures for animals as provided in written policies and procedures.
• Assists the Veterinarian with animal exams, blood draws, diagnostic tests, radiographs, etc. Performs spay checks on previously altered animals and enters information into database.
• Assists the veterinarian with exams of animals in foster care, collects medical history from foster parents and communicates discharge instructions.
• Administers immunizations and microchips per written policies and procedures.
• Once Veterinary Medication Clerk License is obtained, fill prescriptions written by the veterinarians.
• Assists with surgery, including surgical prep, anesthesia monitoring, recovery monitoring, surgical instrument cleaning, surgical pack wrapping, autoclave, etc.
• Assists management with the evaluations of medical and behavioral needs of animals in the shelter by maintaining accurate records and status changes.
• Closely monitors animals in our care and alerts the Medical Team and Shelter Managers when an animal needs to be assessed for further care and treatment.
• Maintains daily records of animals in our care and completes daily monitoring sheets.
• Euthanizes or assists in euthanizing animals per written policies and procedures using sodium pentobarbital.

 Other responsibilities Include:

• Maintains cleanliness of exam room and clinic.
• Assists shelter staff with feeding animals and cleaning animal housing areas when needed.
• May be assigned other related duties as needed.

Controls over Work:

Veterinary Assistant works under the direction Shelter Veterinarians and is expected to perform the established duties without detailed supervision.

Physical Requirements:

Candidates must be able to lift a minimum of forty (40) pounds and heavier weights with the assistance of another staff. Work is performed both in and out of the shelter that requires lifting, bending, stooping, walking up and down stairs, pushing and other moderately strenuous activities, and must be able to stand for long periods of time.

Benefits:

Generous benefits available including health/vision/dental/long-term disability/life insurance for employees and their families, enrollment in 403(b) plan with employer contribution and match, paid time off (PTO) starting with accrual of up to 15 days annually, Sick Leave accrued for all hours worked, 10 paid holidays per year, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pet supply discounts, and discounts for veterinary services at select veterinary clinics.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

PAWS is an equal opportunity employer. PAWS employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. PAWS is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate the diversity of individual unique identity, perspectives, and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We encourage ALL to apply.

All PAWS positions receive written performance evaluations after the first 90 days and annually thereafter.

Application process:

Please submit a Cover Letter stating your qualifications and why you are interested in this position and your Resume by visiting our online applicant site listed below.

(PAWS | Progressive Animal Welfare Society Job Posting | PAWS)

Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration.

Applications received through January 19, 2025, will receive priority consideration.

Position Open Until Filled but may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected.

Note: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the successful candidate will be required to provide both evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.

All Offers of Employment are Conditional, based on successful completion of reference and background checks.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Veterinary Assistant Certificate or formal training preferred.
• Additional education in animal care or veterinary medicine is highly desirable.
• Must be willing to perform injection euthanasia using sodium pentobarbital and must have or can obtain a Washington State Certificate for the Administration of Legend Drugs and complete the PAWS Euthanasia Training.
• Must have or can obtain a Washington State Veterinary Medication Clerk License.
• Preference may be given to someone with previous experience working with animals in a humane society, animal shelter or veterinary clinic. Important considerations for this position include the abilities to handle animals safely and humanely and to always communicate clearly.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Computer proficient with basic computer skills.
• Capability to work daily with companion animals and have a basic understanding of the needs and behavior of domestic cats and dogs.  Must be able to handle individual animals in a caring, safe, and humane manner. 
• Ability to work maturely and respectfully with diverse groups of people and maintain high quality customer/public relations. 
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, and actively participate in creating a positive working environment built on team concepts.
• Able to work cooperatively with people and to communicate clearly about PAWS’ mission, the care and treatment of animals, and the safety of the public and other employees.  Must be able to always represent PAWS professionally.
• Organized, ability to be flexible and balance concurrent projects while adjusting to rapid, changing needs. 
• Ideal candidates embrace and embody the five core values of the organization: commitment, compassion, respect, kindness, and trust.