Veterinary Assistant

Company Overview

Animal Charity of Ohio is a dedicated non-profit organization with a full-service veterinary clinic and the only humane society in Mahoning County. Our mission is to combat animal cruelty, promote responsible pet ownership, and provide accessible veterinary care to the community.

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and energetic Veterinary Assistant to join our team! In this vital role, you will support our veterinary staff in providing exceptional care for animals, ensuring smooth clinic operations, and assisting pet owners. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on animal welfare while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic veterinary environment.

Job Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, plus one Saturday per month

Position Summary

Animal Charity of Ohio is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and dependable Veterinary Assistant to join our medical team.

Our veterinary clinic provides care for both privately owned pets and animals in our shelter. We operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where patient needs and daily priorities can change quickly.

The ideal candidate is a strong team player who communicates effectively, demonstrates initiative, and is willing to learn and adapt. Because we also care for shelter animals, unexpected medical needs and urgent situations may arise that require flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to adjust priorities.

We are looking for someone who understands the importance of providing quality veterinary care while maintaining a compassionate, professional, and supportive environment for patients, clients, and coworkers.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care and Medical Support

• Assist veterinarians and medical team members with examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Safely handle and humanely restrain animals of varying sizes, species, and temperaments.
• Obtain patient histories, monitor vital signs, and collect diagnostic samples as directed.
• Assist with surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, and postoperative recovery under appropriate veterinary supervision.
• Prepare medications and maintain accurate medication charts as directed.
• Perform or assist with diagnostic testing and laboratory procedures within the scope of the position.
• Maintain accurate electronic medical records, treatment notes, and surgical documentation.
• Assist with incoming shelter animal examinations and ongoing medical care.

Clinic Operations

• Clean, sanitize, and maintain examination rooms, treatment areas, kennels, and medical equipment.
• Assist with inventory management, medical supplies, and pharmaceutical records.
• Maintain organized and properly equipped work areas.
• Support daily clinic operations and assist other departments when necessary.

Client Communication and Teamwork

• Greet clients and patients professionally and compassionately.
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding veterinary care and instructions provided by the medical team.
• Work collaboratively with veterinarians, veterinary staff, shelter personnel, and management.
• Respond professionally and compassionately to clients and situations that may be emotionally challenging.
• Adjust daily responsibilities as necessary to address urgent patient and shelter animal needs.

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Two-years previous veterinary assistant experience required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to teamwork, dependability, and professionalism.
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy, fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Willingness to learn new skills, accept feedback, and assist wherever needed.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.
• Ability to remain calm, compassionate, and effective during stressful situations.
• Basic computer skills and ability to accurately enter and maintain electronic records.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Comfort working with animals of different species, sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.

Preferred:

• Experience working in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or animal care environment.
• Familiarity with veterinary terminology, patient handling, diagnostic procedures, and medical equipment.
• Experience with veterinary or shelter management software.
• Administrative or client service experience.

Work Environment and Expectations

Animal Charity of Ohio provides both veterinary services to the community and medical care for shelter animals, including those who may arrive injured, ill, or in need of immediate attention.

Candidates must understand that this position involves:

• Working in an environment where schedules and priorities may change with little notice.
• Responding to unexpected medical situations and assisting with urgent shelter animal needs.
• Occasional assistance outside regularly scheduled hours when emergencies or staffing circumstances require additional support.
• Exposure to sick, injured, distressed, or deceased animals and emotionally challenging situations.
• Participation in humane end-of-life care when required, in accordance with applicable laws, veterinary supervision requirements, and organizational policies.
• Performing additional duties as assigned to support the medical team and overall shelter operations.

Flexibility, cooperation, and a willingness to support fellow team members are essential to success in this position.

Pay: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person