Veterinary Assistant

Description

With a staff of highly recognized animal control and humane officers, Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. (IVHS & SPCA) answers the call of thousands of animals in need every year. With our community outreach programs we educate the public on the humane treatment of animals including local wildlife, proper pet care and how to be a responsible pet owner. Equally important is IVHS & SPCA’s commitment to provide affordable veterinary care with low-cost vaccination clinic, low-cost spay and neuter programs, and microchipping for pets in our communities.

Under direct supervision of the Veterinary Services Supervisor, Veterinary Assistant cares for the animals under the care of the Veterinary Department for the treatment or surgery and maintains veterinary facility and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Observes animals in shelter for signs of illness or injury and reports this using our shelter management software. 

• Helps bring in and prepare patients for surgery and assists with monitoring patients in recovery.

• Assists the veterinarians and RVTs with medical examination and treatment of patients.  

• Assists with health checks of shelter animals.

• Maintains inventory of medications and supplies. 

• Provides food and water for animals under veterinary care.

• Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures and feed bowls. 

• Maintains Veterinary Department facilities during shifts (cleaning, sweeping, mopping, etc., as needed). 

• Euthanasia of animals when appropriate. 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent qualification.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and shelter software.

• Humane attitude towards animals.

• Must be able to effectively restrain dogs more than 100lbs. 

• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia decisions.

• Supports and represents IVHS & SPCA core values, programs, policies, and procedures. 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish/Mandarin) preferred.

• One (1) year Veterinary Assistant experience.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Symptoms of common diseases of puppies, dogs, kittens and cats. dogs and cats.

• Proper methods of safely handling and restraining a wide variety of animals.

• Animal breeds.

• Animal genders.

• Animal nutritional needs. 

• Ability to estimate weights when appropriate. 

• Knowledge of basic neonatal/bottle baby care. 

• Ability and skill to administer injections to animal patients.

• Ability and knowledge of proper radiographic techniques for animal patients. 

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Work is performed in a setting within an animal shelter facility. Regular exposure to animal shelter conditions including odors, airborne particles, and animal fur/dander.

• Must be able to:

  • Routinely lift 50 pounds and perform strenuous daily activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.

  • Extensive direct handling, carrying, and restraining of animals, both large and small.

  • Work at a computer for extended periods of time with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion. 

  • Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.

  • Carrying of supplies and equipment.

  • Occasional running to apprehend loose animals evading capture.

  • Able to tolerate loud animal noises and objectionable odors.

• Communicate effectively with community members, staff, and volunteers in person and by telephone. 

• Endurance sufficient for standing and walking during entire shift. 

• Exposure to dogs, cats and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.

• Regular movement about the campus to coordinate work.

Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. Core Values

Pawsitive- Embracing optimism at all times with animals, ourselves, each other, and our community.  
Innovative- Leading the change our communities need with commitment to our mission.
Collaborative- Synergy and cooperation with partners and stakeholders to improve lifesaving.
Kindness- Meeting everyone with compassion and respect.

Supplemental Information​​​​​​

Only those candidates whose applications and resumes most clearly demonstrate the job-related experience, education, and training sought by Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. shall be selected to move forward in the recruitment process. Placement in the position shall be contingent upon the successful completion of a written test with a minimum score of 80%, reference check, prior employment check, Live Scan, and pre-employment medical exam including a drug test.
 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.