Foster Veterinary Assistant

Since 1984, we’ve dedicated ourselves to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve – a life worth living. Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them.

Asheville Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We do, however, hold the County contract for animal sheltering. This means that we are the open-admission shelter for all Buncombe County animals.

Position Summary

The Foster Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of animals in the AHS foster program. This position is responsible for providing direct medical care, identifying potential health concerns, and maintaining accurate medical records for animals in foster homes. While working under the guidance—but not always the direct supervision—of the Shelter Veterinarian, the assistant is entrusted with meaningful, hands-on responsibilities that make a daily impact.

As a key member of the Foster Department, the Foster Veterinary Assistant collaborates closely with foster parents, providing support and guidance on medical concerns. This role also assists the Foster Placement Coordinator as needed to help place animals into nurturing foster homes. The ideal candidate is compassionate, communicative, and eager to work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment where teamwork and animal welfare are top priorities.

Schedule: The Foster Veterinary Assistant is a full-time position that primarily works in the Adoption Center. The work schedule is Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Compensation & Benefits: The hourly compensation for the Foster Veterinary Assistant is $18.25. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide basic veterinary assistant/technician care for foster animals, including physical exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, and treatments. 
• Identify common medical concerns and follow established treatment protocols accordingly. 
• Triage and manage medical concerns in foster animals, escalating cases as needed. 
• Handle animals using low-stress techniques and perform basic diagnostics such as fecal exams, ear cytology, and urinalysis. 
• Accurately calculate, prepare, and dispense medications; maintain up-to-date and thorough medical records. 
• Work and communicate directly with volunteer foster caregivers in person, via phone, and email to provide support.  
• Coordinate with other teams such as operations, medical, surgery, external veterinary clinics, and veterinary technician training programs.  
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in all foster and medical workspaces. 
• Assist with foster placement efforts during high-volume periods or in the absence of the Foster Placement Coordinator. 
• Stay informed about animals in foster care and those awaiting placement; maintain open and consistent communication with the foster team. 
• Support the Medical Department with animal care, treatments, and intake/processing as needed, especially during high-volume periods. 
• Serve as a certified euthanasia technician (training provided). 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Previous experience as a veterinary assistant or technician in a clinic or shelter environment required; shelter experience preferred. 
• Basic computer literacy, including ability to use email and medical record systems. 
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain North Carolina Euthanasia by Injection (EBI) certification (training provided). 
• Willingness and eligibility to become a North Carolina State Certified Rabies Vaccinator (training provided). 
• Must complete Fear Free Shelters certification within 90 days of hire (free online training provided).