Assistant, Veterinary Programs - Los Angeles, CA

Location: 1845 Pontius Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90025

Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $22.00 to $26.00 per hour, depending on experience, plus great benefits.

Summary: The Veterinary Programs Assistant supports high-quality medical care for animals in Best Friends' lifesaving and veterinary programs. This role is responsible for daily activities within the veterinary department, including providing basic medical care, supporting veterinary procedures, maintaining records, assisting foster caregivers and volunteers, and ensuring animals receive excellent daily care. Veterinary Assistants act with urgency to accomplish critical tasks and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society's no-kill mission.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:​  

• Perform basic medical treatments under veterinary direction, including medicating, vaccinating, administering subcutaneous fluids, and microchipping. 

• Assist with all aspects of spay/neuter surgery including, exam, induction, anesthesia monitoring and recover.

• Assist with daily care for animals receiving treatment or temporarily housed within the veterinary clinic or isolation.

• Maintain clean and properly disinfected workspaces and treatment areas. 

• Accurately enter and maintain patient records, medical data, and controlled substance logs. 

• Support volunteers and foster caregivers by providing medical guidance, aftercare instructions, and emergency support. 

• Deliver exceptional customer service to adopters, visitors, volunteers, and community partners. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support organizational and lifesaving goals. 

• Follow established policies, procedures, safety practices, and recordkeeping requirements. 

• Promote a safe and positive workplace by modeling safe work practices and communicating concerns when needed. 

Skills and Experience:

• At least one year of experience working with animals and providing basic veterinary care preferred.

• A strong interest in veterinary medicine and animal health. 

• Experience handling cats and dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• A customer-focused, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach when working with adopters, fosters, volunteers, and colleagues. 

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• A resourceful, proactive, "get-it-done" attitude. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. 

Physical Requirements:

• Lift and carry up to 40 pounds regularly. 

• Perform activities such as standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, squatting, and cleaning throughout the day. 

• Complete repetitive tasks, including typing and data entry. 

• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. 

• Handle dogs and cats of different sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions. 

• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.