Veterinary Assistant - Full Time

Greater Birmingham Humane Society

Veterinary Assistant - Snow Drive Facility

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (“the GBHS”) is a progressive animal welfare shelter whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless, abused, neglected and abandoned animals. We are committed to an open admissions policy, animal rehabilitation and a low euthanasia rate. GBHS’ open intake and adoption philosophy is a key part of our progressive mission, enabling us to save and rehome thousands of animals each year.

The Veterinary Assistant

• Reports to the LVT on duty and Shelter Management and serves as a member of the clinic team.
• Interacts daily with veterinarians, LVTS, Veterinary Assistants, veterinary student externs, volunteers, the general public, and potential adopters.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Humanely handles and kennels all animals and ensures the identification of all shelter animals with appropriate tags or bands before kenneling.

• Provides care for the animals by cleaning their cage or kennel in a thorough and sanitary manner to prevent the spread of any infectious diseases.
• Provides care for the animals by feeding each animal in accordance with their dietary requirements and posted feeding procedures.
• Develops a general knowledge of animals’ behaviors, temperaments, and personality traits.
• Assists with maintaining the laundry requirements for respective areas. Ensures that all animals’ articles, bedding, dishes, and toys are washed and disinfected daily.
• Assists with daily observations of medical and behavioral issues of animals in our care by paying careful attention for signs of sickness, stress, aggressive behavior, and/or injury. Reports findings to supervisor and medical staff.
• Maintains records to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and completeness.
• Checks and maintains supplies and equipment. Communicates inventory and supply needs as well as maintenance issues to supervisor. Stocks needed supplies in respective areas.
• Must handle, restrain, and triage all animals entering the shelter.
• Assists in the medication and medical treatment of animals as prescribed by the veterinarian as requested.
• Assist in the preparation of animals for surgery and routinely inspect and clean all incisions when necessary.
• Oversee preparation of animals for adoption regarding health exams and inoculations.
• Assist in the maintaining and medical treatment of illness throughout the shelter.
• Consistently strives to keep abreast of the field and animal welfare issues, techniques, procedures, and equipment.
• Maintains a high level of communication with all GBHS staff, Volunteers, and Fosters.
• Works collaboratively with staff to determine if animals are appropriate for adoption.
• When requested, assists in the screening of animals for adoption.
• Greets, directs, and provides information to visitors, answers, and responds to questions from the general public.
• When requested may work at off-site adoption events.
• Represents the GBHS in a professional manner in all situations.
• Shall perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion for the mission of GBHS and a sense of humor are required.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year experience working as a vet assistant in a veterinary/animal clinic environment
• Minimum 1 year experience in animal handling, animal behavior, and animal welfare in a shelter environment
• Currently a Certified Euthanasia Technician (CET) or obtain CET within one year of employment
• General knowledge of pharmaceutical medications.
• General knowledge of veterinary medical terminology.
• Ability to perform physical work involving standing for long periods, carrying animal crates, bending, scrubbing, mopping, walking quickly, reaching, squatting, and lifting up to 75 pounds with reasonable accommodation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A positive attitude and ability to get along with others.

Work Environment

This work is performed in a high noise level area. Exposure to industrial cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal feces, zoonotic (human to animal) diseases, bites, and scratches. Weekend shifts may be required. Safety procedures must be adhered to at all times. Must be able to work with and around animals of all types (cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, etc.). Exposure to conditions such as animal feces, urine, etc. and foul odors. May be exposed to animal dander, parasites and infectious diseases than can be carried and transmitted by animals. Must be able to work in an environment that provides humane euthanasia to animals.

The GBHS is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of GBHS to provide EEO to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.