Operation Kindness Humane Society is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our team! Operation Kindness is a pioneer in Texas for assisting animals in need of veterinary care, companionship and most of all, a home.

The schedule is Wednesday-Saturday

We offer outstanding benefits including health, vision, dental, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan and generous paid time off.

As our animals require care each day of the year, weekend and holiday availability is a must. We provide 10 holidays per year that hourly employees who work on the holiday receive time and a half pay!

See below for more about the role!

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Patient Care Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW: Veterinary Assistant position maintain clean, healthy and safe kennel and medical areas for Operation Kindness cats and dogs that are being treated for illnesses or injuries. They also regularly feed and provide them with water, and regularly exercise when applicable. They also assist the Vet Techs with check in, check out and surgery procedures when necessary.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Animal Areas

• Observes dogs, puppies, cats and kittens carefully and immediately reports any signs of illness, distress or problems to the Vet Tech Supervisor or Vet Techs.
• Ensures that all animals are properly identified with tags or temporary collars and that all cages and kennels have cage cards stating nature of illness or injury.
• Maintains a clean and neat area with no unnecessary clutter on the cage tops or cabinet tops.
• Cleans and sanitizes Isolation rooms and cages as soon as possible after they are soiled.
• Regularly cleans and sanitizes Isolation room walls and floors; polishes windows and doors.
• Regularly cleans and sanitized Observation room floors, cages and walls.
• Keeps outside exercise areas free of solid waste.

Assisting Vet Tech

• Assist Vet Techs with surgery preparation up to and including holding animals for intubation and pre anesthesia injections.
• Help with check in and check out process up to and including giving vaccinations, worming and necessary medications.
• Logging in medical procedures on the Pet Point system.
• Doing therapy and medicated baths and dips as directed by the Techs.

Feeding

• Feeds animals regularly according to the written feeding procedure by Vet Techs.
• Ensures that there is an adequate supply of prescription food and regular food on hand.
• Keeps food room clean and neat.

Shelter Closing

• Performs security check ensuring that all hospital animals are secure, clean, not in stress and properly bedded down. Make sure necessary doors are closed and lights are out. Ensure that all electrical appliances including fans, heaters, fluid monitors and heating pads are turned off or in place before leaving.

General Responsibilities:

• Reports suspicion of animal abuse or neglect immediately.
• Reports any unsafe working conditions to immediately.
• Maintains client, donor, volunteer and staff confidentiality at all times.
• Follows Standard Precautions and other safety regulations at all times.
• Completes all necessary and requested training in a timely manner in accordance with shelter policy.
• Attends staff meetings.
• Participates in shelter events as requested by Supervisor.
• Performs other duties as requested

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience Requirements

• One year of part-time or full-time work experience.
• 6 months Animal Care experience

Personal Requirements

• Feels and expresses a genuine liking for animals and for working in an animal care environment.
• Supports Operation Kindness’s mission and understands how it is organized and functions as a non-profit organization.
• Is able to work equally well with paid staff members, clients and volunteers.
• Is able to relate well to persons with varied backgrounds and beliefs
• Has a positive attitude; is open to new ideas.
• Punctual and dependable
• Physical Effort: Position requires lifting and carrying animals and shelter materials weighing up to 40 lbs; when animals or materials weigh over 40 lbs, another staff member will assist in the lifting and carrying. Position requires handling dogs and cats of a variety of sizes and temperaments. Position also requires sitting or standing for extended periods of time and speaking over the telephone.
• Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and animal diseases.

Background checks and drugs screens are part of the hiring process. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Continued employment remains on an "at-will basis.