Posted:
2/17/2026, 1:01:59 AM
Location(s):
Village of Pawling, New York, United States ⋅ New York, United States
Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary
Workplace Type:
On-site
Summary:
Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Veterinary Assistant at the ASPCA’s new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!
Who We Are:
The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.
What You’ll Do:
The individual in this role is responsible for providing high quality veterinary care to canines recovering from the physical and behavioral impacts of animal cruelty at the R&R Center. The successful candidate for this role values teamwork, collaboration, and an integrated approach to recovery and rehabilitation that balances medical, behavioral, and environmental needs.
When & Where You’ll Work:
This is an in-person position located at the R&R Center in Pawling, NY
This position requires ability and willingness to travel up to 5% of the time
Schedules for this position include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays; regular schedule will include at least one weekend day
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 $24 - $25.44 hourly.
For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.
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, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off 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.
We are also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Check our website for more information on our benefits offerings.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Functional Duties
Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques
Collaborate with behavior and sheltering colleagues to ensure holistic, balanced care for animals and a cohesive team culture for staff
Communicate regularly with the behavior team using objective language and established communication systems to ensure information is shared in a timely fashion with relevant stakeholders
Observe individual animals and the overall population for signs of illness, injury, and/or poor welfare, communicating any issues quickly and effectively
Provide continuous hands-on support during exams, surgery, specimen collection, and humane euthanasia procedures
Administer oral and topic medical for preventive or therapeutic purposes under the direction of a veterinarian and in accordance with all state and federal laws
Monitor patients post-operatively to ensure safety and comfort and to identify possible post-operative or anesthesia-related complications
Maintain active knowledge of all daily procedures and protocols
Provide administrative support to the Veterinary Services team, accurately documenting findings, results, and other data in a timely fashion
Follow all protocols to ensure chain of custody is maintained and appropriately documented, and for the disposition of forensic evidence
Clean and disinfect kennels, equipment, and facility as needed, while donning appropriate PPE
Assist with daily animal care including feeding and medicating, as directed
Ensure medical areas are kept clean, organized, and ready for use
Track inventory and ensure veterinary areas are well stocked at all times
Identify and communicate inventory and ordering needs
Administrative, Financial, and Operational Duties
Participate in daily rounds alongside behavioral and sheltering staff, collaborating openly to provide excellent and integrated care
Regularly attend all Veterinary Services, appropriate cross-functional, and all-staff meetings
Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses
Responsibly steward R&R Center assets
Other responsibilities as assigned by manager
Education and Work Experience
High School Diploma or GED required, B.S. or B.A. preferred
A minimum of one year handling and restraining dogs in a veterinary or shelter setting
Veterinary Assistant experience preferred
Fear Free® Veterinary certification (approximately 9 hours) required within 60 days or hire
Qualifications
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving
Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally
Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice
Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress
Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas
Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand
Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others
Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others
Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions
Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same
Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly
Models transparency, integrity, honesty and strong ethical principles
Unafraid of hard conversations and approaches them openly, quickly, and kindly
Views conflict as generative, using disagreement to drive innovation, improve communication, clarify and articulate values, and build stronger relationships
Values ongoing training and continuing education for self and team, ensuring ample access to learning opportunities
Willing and able to work in a variety of environments including but not limited to:
Indoor climate-controlled spaces
Outdoor natural climate spaces where extreme temperatures and/or precipitation are possible
On surfaces that are wet or uneven
In loud or continuously noisy areas
Willing and able to work with chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects
Able to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time
Able to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies
Able to comfortably handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations
Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties
Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community
If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please visit our website to join our Talent Community and stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.
Qualifications:
See above for qualifications details.
Language:
EnglishEducation and Work Experience:
High School Diploma
Website: https://www.aspca.org/
Headquarter Location: New York, New York, United States
Employee Count: 501-1000
Year Founded: 1866
IPO Status: Private
Last Funding Type: Grant
Industries: Association ⋅ Non Profit