Veterinary Assistant - Shelter Medicine

Reports to Manager of Internal Veterinary Services

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.  

Our Internal Veterinary Services (IVS) team provides lifesaving medical care to more than 80% of the dogs, cats and small mammals who enter our shelter. Treatment Veterinary Assistants are essential members of our IVS team and are responsible for supporting efficient treatment and medical care for a high volume of homeless pets prior to their adoption into loving homes.

Essential Functions

• Support the efficient flow of daily medical operations (evaluating animals identified by medical alert forms, distributing medications, pulling/administering vaccinations, running in-house lab work, etc.)
• Handling (leash-walking, lifting, and carrying) and medical restraint of dog and cat patients; placing and securing dogs and cats in carriers/kennels
• Provide support to licensed Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, Licensed Veterinary Technicians, and the IVS team
• Clean workspaces and IVS kennels, including sweeping, dusting, mopping, emptying trash, restocking supplies
• Follow established treatment protocols, patient care standards, safety guidelines, equipment handling procedures, and documentation requirements to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant treatment operations
• Perform clerical work and invoicing promptly and accurately, as needed
• Enter patient information into patient charts in a professional and appropriate manner
• Maintain confidentiality as requested
• Deliver education and counseling to fellow employees as appropriate
• Participate in a rotating schedule for the foster emergency phone
• Participate in required trainings and meetings
• Other related duties as assigned

• Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Comfort handling/learning to handle dogs, cats, and small mammals, including fearful or fractious patients
• Weekday availability; weekend work required
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather*

* This position is considered Essential Personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions or inclement weather.

Qualifications, Skills and Expectations

• Effective, professional and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate and respectful atmosphere
• Ability to multi-task, follow directions (written and verbal), adapt and accommodate changing demands
• Ability to respond appropriately during an emergency and to take direction from licensed veterinary staff and/or management
• Ability to provide productive feedback to management
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
• Strong work ethic, reliability, punctuality
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of every pet in our care
• Resourcefulness and ability to work independently in a mature, professional, and productive capacity
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to communicate
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems; knowledge of DaySmart Vet and PetPoint is a plus
• Experience working in the veterinary field preferred, but not required

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to routinely lift 50 pounds
• Able to push/pull a large cart
• Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have challenging behaviors)
• Able to bend, kneel, stoop, use stairs and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to physically restrain a dog weighing up to 50 pounds
• Able to be on your feet for 8 to 10 hours at a time
• Willing to work in all weather conditions
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Work Environment

• Rapid pace with limited exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, cat litter, various chemicals and disinfectants
• High levels of noise at times
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to people)

All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA and have access to an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave. 

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.