Veterinary Support Specialist

Veterinary Support Specialist Department: Medical Team
Reports To: Medical Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule Expectations: Full-time; may include weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings based on shelter operations
Position Summary The Veterinary Support Specialist plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and functional medical environment while providing hands-on support to the veterinary team. This position is responsible for the daily sanitation and upkeep of all medical and surgical spaces, including treatment kennels, isolation areas, exam rooms, prep areas, and surgical suites. In addition to cleaning and disinfection responsibilities, this role assists the medical team with animal restraint, basic handling, and surgical preparation support. This position is designed as an entry-level pathway into the medical team, offering opportunities for growth and skill development for individuals interested in advancing into veterinary assisting or technician roles. This role requires comfort working in a high-volume shelter environment that may include exposure to injured or ill animals.
Primary Responsibilities Medical & Surgical Area Sanitation

• Clean and disinfect:
  
  
  
  • Treatment kennels
  
  
  • Treatment isolation kennels
  
  
  • Panleuk/open isolation rooms
  
  
  • Exam rooms
  
  
  • Prep areas
  
  
  • Surgical suites
  
  
  
  


• Follow strict biosecurity and infection control protocols


• Ensure all medical spaces are stocked, organized, and ready for patient care


• Properly handle and dispose of medical waste and laundry


• Assist in maintaining OSHA and sanitation compliance

Animal Handling & Medical Support

• Assist medical staff with safe animal restraint for:
  
  
  
  • Exams
  
  
  • Treatments
  
  
  • Vaccinations
  
  
  
  


• Assist with basic surgical preparation tasks under supervision


• Provide calm, low-stress handling of animals


• Safely move animals between kennels, exam rooms, and treatment areas

Support to Medical Team

• Restock medical and cleaning supplies


• Prepare kennels and surgical spaces between patients


• Assist with laundry and equipment sanitation


• Help maintain an efficient workflow for the veterinary team

Qualifications & Essential Functions Required:

• Experience with kennel cleaning and sanitation in an animal care setting or willingness to learn


• Comfort working around animals of all sizes and temperaments


• Ability to follow detailed cleaning and disinfection protocols


• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods


• Strong attention to detail and reliability


• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions


• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team


• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this role

Preferred:

• Experience in a shelter, clinic, or veterinary environment


• Interest in pursuing a veterinary assistant or technician career path


• Basic knowledge of animal behavior and handling

Skills & Competencies

• Strong work ethic and initiative


• Ability to work in a fast-paced medical environment


• Willingness to learn medical procedures and animal handling techniques


• Team-oriented mindset


• Excellent time management and organization


• Commitment to cleanliness and infection control

Essential Functions The duties listed in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Growth Opportunity This role is intentionally structured to serve as a stepping stone into the medical team. Employees who demonstrate reliability, strong performance, and interest in learning may have opportunities for cross-training and advancement into veterinary assistant responsibilities, based on operational needs and performance.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds


• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching


• Ability to safely handle animals of varying size, strength, and temperament


• Exposure to cleaning chemicals, medical waste, and infectious disease areas


• Risk of animal bites or scratches


• Frequent repetitive motions


• Occasional exposure to loud noise and strong odors


• Fast-paced veterinary medical setting


• Regular, in-person interaction with animals, coworkers, and veterinary staff

Why This Role Matters A clean, well-maintained medical space is essential to patient safety, infection control, and surgical success. This position is a foundational part of the medical team and directly contributes to the quality of care provided to every animal.
Additional Information This job description is not intended to be a contract of employment and does not alter the at-will nature of employment. The SPCA of Wake County is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may change based on operational needs.

Benefits:

• Medical and Dental: Employer pays 90% of employee coverage (full-time)


• Insurance includes wellness, dental, vision, life, mental health care, prescriptions, emergency & urgent care, chiropractic care, and physical therapy


• Telemedicine options, 24/7 access to virtual health & wellness care and virtual behavioral health care
  

PAID TIME OFF –

• All part-time and full-time staff receive paid time off.


• Paid Holidays - 9 paid holidays per year (full-time)


• Vacation Time - 10 paid vacation days per year (full-time) with scheduled increases at milestone anniversaries of hire date


• Sick Time - 6.5 paid sick days per year (full-time)

FINANCIAL –

• Healthcare: Flexible Spending Account


• 401k Plan


• Coastal Federal Credit Union Membership


• 20% discount on pet adoptions and in SPCA Wake retail store

OTHER –

• Bereavement time off 


• Federal & State Leave of Absence options

Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. No phone calls or emails, please — we’ll have our people call your people!