Summary:

Overview

Are you detail-oriented, passionate about animal welfare, and energized by a fast-paced, dynamic, and complex environment? If so, the position of Veterinary Assistant (VA) at the ASPCA might be for you. As an integral member of the LA Feline Program team, the VA supports a program that provides care for approximately 1,500 kittens and cats annually. 

  

In collaboration with the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care & Control, the ASPCA LA Feline Program provides temporary care and adoption opportunities for at-risk feline populations that might not find positive outcomes in a shelter environment. These populations include: 

• Orphaned neonates under 4 weeks old 

• Underage, orphaned kittens aged 4–8 weeks (our primary population) 

• Queens in need of a stress-free environment to raise their young     

• Juvenile and adult cats needing extra support finding adoption opportunities while recovering from illness or after extended stays in a shelter environment  

The VA plays a crucial role in maintaining the LA Feline Program's efficiency and lifesaving impact through detailed and accurate recordkeeping and by supporting essential medical care throughout the kitten’s journey from intake to outcome. They work under the guidance of veterinarians and registered veterinarian technicians (RVTs) to assist in the delivery of individual animal and population level medical care consistent with our practice’s standards and Fear Free values. 

Success in this role requires a reliable and compassionate team player who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and dedicated to helping animals transition through the foster program to find their adoptive homes. The ideal candidate will have professional experience in a clinical setting (human or animal) and a strong commitment to maintaining high standards of animal care and collaboration with staff, fosters, and adopters. 

Our program operates in multiple locations throughout the Los Angeles County area and VAs are required to be flexible with respect to their work location. 

The Veterinary Assistant reports directly to the Senior Manager, Medical Care and has no direct reports.

Where and When You’ll Work

• This role is based at a variety of locations across the LA Metropolitan area including Burbank, Downey, Baldwin, and Carson.

What You’ll Get

Compensation

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

• The target hiring range for this role is $22.60 - $24.05 / hour.

Benefits

At the ASPCA, you don’t have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental and optional vision coverage.

• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, paid personal time, sick time, bereavement time, paid parental leave, and 10 company paid holidays that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.

• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.

• Robust professional development opportunities, including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field and so much more.

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to:

 

Nursing Care and Veterinary Support

 

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our volunteers by using low-stress handling techniques 

• Support RVTs and veterinarians during examinations, including handling and restraining animals for necessary medical procedures 

• Provide clinical care for kittens and nursing cats and litters including administration of medications (topical, oral, ophthalmic, and injections) following veterinarian or registered veterinary technician instructions and standard operating procedures 

• Communicate with fosters volunteers about pertinent information regarding the overall care of animals in our program  

• Prepare medications to administer to kittens in foster care and communicate medical findings and treatments in a clear, simple language to foster volunteers 

• Provide attentive and compassionate care for kittens and cats including bottle feeding, stimulating elimination, spot-cleaning and litterbox maintenance as needed for animals that require an extended length of stay on site, due to medical concerns or Waystation needs 

• Cultivate a cooperative relationship with staff, foster caregivers, and members of the public to support positive outcomes for animals in program’s care 

• Assist with humane euthanasia under the supervision of a staff veterinarian 

• Help to maintain an efficient flow of animals through the program towards a positive outcome in a collaborative, multi-team supported environment 

 

Record Keeping

 

• Accurately and promptly enter and maintain animals' medical records during examinations 

• Maintain and update foster program databases with exam details, medications and animal status changes, including transferring information from internal software systems and external veterinary partner records 

 

Housekeeping and Maintenance

 

• Clean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and facility spaces while utilizing appropriate PPE and sanitation protocols 

• Assist in monitoring supply levels, performing inventory checks, and restocking supplies as needed  

• Communicating and assisting with coordination of transport needs; including Uber, driver assists, and supply runs  

• Ensuring animals are kept in comfortable and sanitary conditions 

• Work in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies and requirements  

• Additional duties as assigned by supervisor and leadership team   

 

 

Qualifications

 

• Knowledge of basic animal care and familiarity with veterinary hospital protocols and procedures 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to work independently or as part of a team 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate courteously and professionally in person, via phone, and through email 

• Ability to use basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office); experience with Digitail or other veterinary and shelter software systems is a plus 

• Able to lift up to 30 pounds and perform tasks requiring walking, bending, standing, and reaching throughout an 8-hour workday 

• Ability to work in close proximity to cats, kittens, and cat litter 

• Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values

 

Language

 

• English (required)

• Spanish (a plus) 

 

Education and Work Experience

 

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience 

• At least 1 year of experience working in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter preferred 

• At least 1 year of cat or kitten handling experience preferred

• At least 1 year of experience working in data entry preferred 

 

Qualifications:

  

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience: