Since 1984, Asheville Humane Society has dedicated itself to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve—a life worth living.

Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them. As the only open-intake animal shelter in Buncombe County, we're always here for the animals in our community.

Position Summary

The Shelter Veterinary Assistant provides routine and preventative medical care to shelter animals, beginning at intake. Working within established Medical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), this position performs physical examinations, identifies and triages medical concerns, initiates diagnostics and treatment, maintains accurate medical documentation, and supports all aspects of the shelter medicine program. 

Schedule: This position works in the Buncombe County Animal Shelter. The schedule is four, 10-hour shifts - Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for the Shelter Veterinary Assistant starts at $19.25/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform thorough physical examinations on all animals at intake; identify, triage, and address medical concerns in accordance with Medical SOPs.
• Complete each animal's intake medical workup, including age-appropriate vaccinations, testing, and preventatives, in a timely manner.
• Perform and read in-house diagnostics, including fecal analysis and skin and ear cytology, and operate standard bloodwork equipment.
• Assist with emergency triage under the direction of the medical team and veterinarians.
• Make basic diagnostic and treatment decisions within protocol, calculate dosages, and prepare and fill medications; promptly report any serious or life-threatening conditions.
• Safely handle and restrain animals of all sizes and temperaments, including those with unknown histories, using low-stress techniques.
• Apply infectious disease control practices and maintain clean, properly disinfected medical intake areas.
• Accurately enter and maintain medical documentation in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with the Intake, Operations, Behavior, and Adoptions teams to ensure animals receive complete medical care and progress toward adoption.
• Assist the Adoptions team with medical care of pre-adopted pets.
• Communicate medical information, including diagnostics and treatment plans, to non-medical staff, adopters, and members of the public.
• Train entry-level staff and volunteers on basic medical handling and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in a veterinary setting required; experience as a veterinary assistant in private practice or shelter medicine highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of basic diagnostics and microscope skills, including fecals, cytology, and bloodwork.
• Working knowledge of infectious disease control.
• Competency and understanding of low stress and safe animal restraint.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to obtain North Carolina Euthanasia by Injection (EBI) certification and Certified Rabies Vaccinator status, both provided by the employer.

This position requires standing for long periods. It requires the ability to stoop, bend, reach, and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds to a level of 4 feet high and handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.