Job Description

Job Type

Full-time

Overview of Job:

Description

The Animal Care Lead and Veterinary Assistant is a dual-role position that combines leadership in animal care with hands-on veterinary assistance. This individual is responsible for expediating and organizing, with the support of the Supervisor, the smooth operation of daily animal care routines and supporting the shelter veterinarian in medical exams. The role plays a crucial part in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of animals within the shelter while fostering a collaborative team environment. This position offers an opportunity to work closely with both the animal care and veterinary teams, enhancing the quality of life for animals and ensuring efficient care protocols.

Key Responsibilities

· Organize staff and daily animal care operations, including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment activities for shelter animals.

· Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to animal care staff and volunteers, ensuring the team is well-equipped to provide top-tier care.

· Maintain and track detailed records of animal care activities, providing updates and reporting concerns to management as needed.

· Ensure adherence to cleaning, disease prevention, and sanitation protocols to maintain a healthy and safe environment for all animals.

· Monitor animal health, behavior, and overall condition, quickly reporting any concerns and collaborating with the veterinary team for treatment.

· Assist the shelter veterinarian in performing medical procedures, examinations, and treatments for shelter animals.

· Administer medications, vaccinations, and other treatments as prescribed by the shelter veterinarian.

· Conduct intake exams and health assessments for new arrivals to ensure proper care planning.

· Collaborate with the medical team to develop care plans tailored to the needs of incoming animals.

· Communicate medical and care instructions to adopters, fosters, and staff members to ensure the continuity of care.

· Train staff and volunteers on animal care procedures, enrichment activities, and animal handling techniques.

· Promote skill development within the team to enhance operational efficiency and animal well-being.

· Address inquiries and concerns from adopters, fosters, and the public, providing professional and compassionate responses.

· Ensure animal housing areas are safe, clean, and well-maintained to provide a comfortable environment for the animals.

· Monitor and manage inventory levels for medical supplies, food, and cleaning materials, coordinating restocking efforts as needed.

· Oversee animal medical care within the shelter, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment is administered.

· Train animal care staff in medical administration and performing intake examinations to maintain high standards of care.

· Manage the medical care of foster animals, ensuring timely communication and accurate supply distribution.

· Ensure strict compliance with shelter cleaning and husbandry protocols to prevent the spread of disease among the animals.

· Prepare medical equipment and facilities for daily operations and assist with the maintenance of medical tools.

· Conduct or facilitate behavior assessments to support intake, medical planning, and adoption decisions.

Obtain certification to perform humane euthanasia, and train staff responsible for performing humane euthanasia based on best practices 

Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

· High school diploma or G.E.D. required.

· Experience working in animal shelters and with placement programs.

· Veterinary Assistant certification preferred but not required.

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in animal care, veterinary assistance, or a related field is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills, and Knowledge:

· Must have at least 2 years of experience in an animal care or veterinary assistant role.

· Proven ability to supervise, train, and lead a team of animal care staff and volunteers.

· Strong understanding of animal health, medical procedures, and care protocols.

· Skilled in the use of veterinary medical equipment and supplies.

· Ability to maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with the veterinary team, staff, and management.

· Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, bend, twist, and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the day.

· Ability to work with a variety of animal species in different conditions.

· Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening.

· Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, and be on-call as needed.

· Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license. 

· Highly competent in Microsoft Office especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint

· Must be CAET certified or willing to obtain certification

Working Conditions:

• The role requires working in an environment with high noise levels and potential exposure to animal bites and scratches.
• Must be able to work with industrial cleaning supplies and disinfectants.
• Ability to work around animals and allergens.

Benefits include but are not limited to:

• Health Insurance, Life Insurance, 401K match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Qualification and assistance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Employee discount on Veterinary Services and Hill’s Science Diet Pro Feeding Program

Focusing on equity and inclusion:

The Animal Care Lead and Veterinary Assistant will contribute to creating a culture of compassion and care, ensuring all animals receive the highest quality of treatment while fostering an inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, and the community.

Salary Description

$17.00 - $18.25 per hour

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