Foster Veterinary Assistant

Description

Location: Asheville Humane Society -  Animal Care Campus

Regular schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Training schedule (approximately first two months): Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Pay: $19.25/hour

Help Animals Heal in Foster Care

Some animals need a little extra time before they're ready for adoption. Whether they're recovering from illness or injury, too young for surgery, or simply need a quieter place to grow, foster homes give them the opportunity to heal outside of the shelter. As Foster Veterinary Assistant, you'll help make that possible.

This position combines hands-on veterinary nursing skills with communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. You'll provide medical care for animals living in foster homes while supporting the foster caregivers who are helping them recover. Every day is different. You might examine a kitten with an upset stomach, prepare medications for a dog recovering from surgery, answer questions from a foster caregiver, or coordinate follow-up care with our veterinary team.

If you enjoy shelter medicine, like building relationships with people as much as caring for animals, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days look the same, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As a member of the Foster Team, you'll work closely with our veterinarian, medical staff, foster caregivers, and other shelter departments to keep animals healthy while they're in foster homes.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform physical exams, vaccinations, treatments, and other routine medical care for foster animals.
• Recognize common medical conditions, triage concerns, follow established treatment protocols, and consult veterinarians when additional medical guidance is needed.
• Perform basic diagnostics, including fecal examinations, ear cytology, and urinalysis.
• Accurately calculate, prepare, and dispense medications.
• Maintain complete, accurate medical records using electronic medical record systems (Shelterluv).
• Communicate with foster caregivers by phone, email, and in person to answer questions, provide medical instructions, and support successful foster placements.
• Coordinate care with other Asheville Humane Society departments, outside veterinary clinics, and veterinary technician training partners.
• Assist with foster placements and provide support throughout the foster experience when needed.
• Maintain clean, organized medical and foster workspaces and ensure supplies remain stocked.
• Support the Medical Department with treatments, animal care, and intake responsibilities during busy periods.
• Become certified to perform rabies vaccinations as well as humane euthanasia (training provided).
• Perform other duties that support the mission and daily operations of Asheville Humane Society as directed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience working as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter.
• Experience safely handling dogs and cats of varying sizes, ages, and temperaments.
• Experience administering treatments, preparing medications, and maintaining accurate medical records.
• Basic computer skills, including email and electronic medical records.
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain North Carolina Euthanasia by Injection certification (training provided).
• Willingness and eligibility to become a North Carolina State Certified Rabies Vaccinator (training provided).
• Completion of Fear Free Shelters certification within 90 days of hire (free training provided).

Preferred

• Animal shelter medicine experience.
• Experience working with foster programs, rescue organizations, or volunteer caregivers.
• Experience managing multiple medical cases in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and handling animals throughout the day. Applicants should be able to safely lift up to 50 pounds, work around animals with a variety of medical and behavioral needs, and perform duties in a shelter environment that includes cleaning products, animal dander, noise, and occasional exposure to bodily fluids.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• SIMPLE IRA with up to a 3% employer match
• 18 days of paid time off during the first year
• Paid holidays
• Pet prescription discounts

Benefits begin after 60 days of employment.