Veterinary Assistant (Full-Time)

About Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA

Since 1973, the RHSPCA has been providing compassionate animal care to help pets and people live happier, healthier lives. We offer a full range of services, including adoption options for companion pets and barn cats so that local animals can live better lives in the spaces that suit them best. We also work with a vast network of volunteers who help us care for animals in our shelter and individuals willing to foster pets in their homes. In addition to our pet matchmaking services, we partner with community members to help manage the outdoor cat population through our Community Cat Program. Across all of these services is our commitment to providing the resources and tools our community needs to improve animal welfare.

JOB TITLE:                        Veterinary Assistant

DEPARTMENT:              Veterinary Care Center

ACCOUNTABILITY:        Director of Veterinary Services

SALARY:                            $17.00 - $20.00/hour

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time, Non-Exempt

SCHEDULE:                          Tues - Sat 8:30am - 5:00pm

Objective:

The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA’s Veterinary Care Center is looking for a Veterinary Assistant to care for animals and support our Veterinarian and Licensed Veterinary Technician. The RHSPCA Surgical Team will complete approximately 25 surgeries per day.  The majority of surgeries will be routine surgeries of dogs and cats, however, additional procedures such as amputations, enucleations, and dentals will also be performed.  Surgery assistants are an essential part of this process and must have the ability to maintain a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and be an effective team player in a fast-paced work environment.

Essential Job Duties and Functions:

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare surgical paperwork (patient charts and discharge instructions)
• Transport animals from shelter to/from clinic for surgery/procedures.
• Perform instrument cleaning, pack preparation and sterilization.
• Restrain patients for vet examinations and during induction for the LVT.
• Prepare patients for surgery (shave and scrub).
• Perform check-in for surgery patients and aid in identifying any special needs, particularly in feral cats (URI symptoms, wounds, hair loss).
• Prepare patients for dental procedures including cleaning the dental machine after procedures.
• Ensure recovery areas are clean, appropriately stocked, and organized.  Frequently sanitize the recovery cage banks throughout the day (if needed) and at the end of the day.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the Prep Room, Surgical Suite, and Laboratory area
• If Reception is unavailable, be able to support the clinic by performing patient discharge and answer client questions about surgical recovery and medications.
• If Reception is unavailable, be able to support the clinic by performing patient scheduling
• Monitor patients pre-, intra-, and post-operatively.
• Administer vaccinations and other treatments designated by the veterinarian post-operatively.
• Assist the veterinarian as needed during wellness appointments/rabies - microchip clinics and other outpatient appointments.
• Keep medical records up to date with accurate, succinct, and detailed descriptions of patients, schedule all relevant follow up appointments and re-checks
• Weekly deep cleaning of all clinic areas.
• Other tasks as assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Performs duties in a manner which promotes a positive culture and encourages attainment of RHSPCA goals.
• Ensures quality care and humane treatment for the animals in the care of the RHSPCA.
• Works courteously and cooperatively with the staff, clients, volunteers, fosters, adopters, partners, and donors to ensure that all RHSPCA policies and procedures are followed, and new ones are implemented successfully.
• Multitasks, adapts and accommodates to changing demands in a fast paced environment
• Prioritizes tasks appropriately and receives and follows instructions both verbal and written
• Performs all duties in a manner that ensures humane treatment, staff safety, and minimal stress on the animals during medical handling.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a surgical setting preferred
• Ability to handle animals effectively and humane
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word/Google Docs

Why Join RHSPCA?

We're a forward-thinking, optimistic team that values attention to detail, collaboration, and passionate care. If you enjoy working with talented people and want your work to make a tangible difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Staff Perks

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• PTO with increases every other year as well as time off for bereavement and your birthday
• Employer sponsored life insurance
• Supplemental insurance offerings (Short-Term Disability, Critical Care, Accident, Cancer, and Hospital Indemnity)
• All employees with the RHSPCA can take advantage of the Hill’s Pro Staff Feeding program, which offers significant discounts on their products.
• Discount offerings to multiple businesses throughout the valley
• Staff and volunteer appreciation events
• $0 adoption fee on your first pet adopted through the RHSPCA

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift 35 lbs., stand for long periods of time, move quickly, work with and around animals (including diseased, injured and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals.

Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt position offering a competitive rate based on knowledge and experience with an hourly range of $17-$20 per hour.

Nature of Employment

The Veterinary Assistant is anticipated to work approximately 40 hours per week. 

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an offer of employment.  It is the policy of the RHSPCA that employment for this position is at will, which means that employment for no specified term and the employee or agency may terminate that employment at any time without cause.  This job description serves as a guide.