Senior Veterinary Assistant

ASPCA

Senior Veterinary Assistant delivering mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care for underserved New York City communities. Driving clinics, assisting veterinary procedures, monitoring anesthesia, and supporting clients.

Posted 8/7/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $25 - $26 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in animal handling, surgical assistance, and client communication while adhering to veterinary protocols and safety standards. Proficient in operating mobile clinics and maintaining medical equipment, with a strong commitment to animal welfare and community service.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Animal Handling SkillsVeterinary Medical ExperienceFear Free® Shelter CertificationValid Driver’s LicenseExperience with Digital Databases

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Surgical AssistanceDiagnostic TestingAnesthesia MonitoringMedical Record EntrySterilization TechniquesLow-Stress Animal HandlingDriving Commercial Motor VehicleOperating Mobile Clinic GeneratorsPatient Care for Spay/Neuter SurgeryCleaning and Disinfecting Procedures

Soft Skills

Excellent Customer ServiceTeam CollaborationAbility to Work IndependentlyCalm Under PressureWillingness to Learn

Certifications & Qualifications

Fear Free® Shelter CertificationDepartment of Transportation Medical Exam

Industry Keywords

Animal WelfareVeterinary ProtocolsOSHA ComplianceDOT RegulationsFMCSA Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive the mobile clinic from the logistics center to each day’s clinic location and return it at the end of the day
Provide medical care for cats and dogs presenting for spay/neuter surgery
Use low-stress animal handling techniques during exams, treatments, injections, venipuncture, and intubation
Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients before, during, and after surgery
Assist with patient exams, take medical histories, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare take-home medications
Follow medical protocols and animal-care direction from the veterinarian or veterinary technician
Organize and maintain pre-operative and operating rooms for anesthesia, surgical preparation, and sterilization
Maintain and troubleshoot anesthesia and clinic equipment
Clean, sonicate, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and endotracheal tubes
Clean and disinfect animal areas and facilities using appropriate personal protective equipment
Provide support and medical services in special cases, including animals from hoarding situations
Greet clients, assist with intake documents, and flag relevant medical history
Communicate basic veterinary concepts, vaccine protocols, anesthetic risks, and veterinarian-provided condition information to clients
Safely drive and park mobile clinics at various locations
Operate and troubleshoot mobile clinic generators
Enter medical information into digital databases
Represent ASPCA professionally and provide medical information to other ASPCA departments
Follow OSHA, DOT, CM Standard Operating Procedures, and other protocols
Collaborate with ASPCA colleagues and participate in veterinary and medical training
Attend staff meetings and training sessions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Ability to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout the day with assistance
Ability to stand and work for 10 or more hours
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
Willingness to learn, implement, and teach new protocols
Excellent animal handling skills with cats and dogs
Experience using a computer and navigating software applications
Fear Free® Shelter certification required within 60 days of hire
Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities
Valid driver’s license upon hire and safe driving history demonstrated through a motor vehicle history check
Passing a Department of Transportation Medical Exam and required Drug and Alcohol Testing
Ability to provide documentation for a Driver Qualification File under DOT and FMCSA requirements
Ability and willingness to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less
Willingness to learn to drive mobile clinics up to 37 feet long through city traffic; training provided by ASPCA
English required
Spanish strongly preferred
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Minimum 1 year of professional animal-handling experience required
Veterinary medical experience preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage
Employer-paid life insurance coverage
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible time off including vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, company paid holidays, and paid personal time off
401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4%
Additional 4% employer contribution toward retirement
Professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship
Internal mobility opportunities
Opportunities to support in the field