Job Description: Veterinary Assistant at The Loving Spay+Neuter Clinic
Classification: Full Time – Non-Exempt
Reports to: Lead LVT
Date: October 2026
Position Summary: The Veterinary Assistant (VA) provides support to the Veterinarian and the Licensed Veterinary Technician and is involved in all aspects of the surgical day in Richmond Animal League’s (RAL) Loving Spay+Neuter Clinic (LSNC). This position is responsible for delivering outstanding patient care, maintaining clinic equipment, managing surgical supply inventory, and ensuring veterinary inspection readiness.
Candidates should be detail-oriented, organized, focused, and able to complete tasks. The VA reports to the Lead Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).
Essential Functions:
Patient Care & Fear Free Handling
Maintain current Fear Free certification and knowledge; apply Fear Free
techniques with all patients and train others in their use.
Provide exceptional animal care, ensuring patient comfort, safety, and well-being
throughout the day.
Prepare patient enclosures each morning with clean bedding and appropriate
calming elements.
Receive patients at drop-off and safely settle them into their assigned enclosures.
Monitor patients throughout the day, including post-operative recovery, and
promptly report concerns to veterinary staff.
Return patients to their caregivers at discharge and explain post-operative care
instructions and prescribed medications.
Surgical Assistance
Set up the surgery suite each morning and complete closing procedures each
afternoon.
Prepare vaccinations and medications as directed by veterinary staff.
Safely restrain patients for anesthesia induction and aseptically prepare them for
surgery.
Safely transfer patients from surgery to recovery and then to their assigned
enclosures.
Collect and process laboratory samples as directed.
Clinic Operations & Support
Maintain current operating procedures for all clinic equipment in an organized,
accessible binder.
Perform routine equipment maintenance and maintain accurate maintenance logs.
Monitor inventory and order clinic supplies to maintain adequate stock.
Unpack, store, and inventory supplies according to RAL procedures.
Complete monthly inspection checklists to support compliance with clinic standards
and procedures.
Cross-train with clinic administrative staff to support daily operations and provide
coverage as needed.
Shelter Veterinary Care Support
Assist with shelter veterinary care as needed and as clinic responsibilities allow.
Prepare vaccines and preventatives as directed by veterinary staff.
Safely restrain shelter animals during examinations and procedures.
Collect and process laboratory samples as directed.
Carry out medical management plans under the direction of veterinary staff.
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma
2 or more years of Work Experience
Preferred Education and Experience:
2-year associate’s or 4-year bachelor’s degree or higher
Experience in the Veterinary or Rescue Fields
Competencies:
Quick learner
Organized
Attention to detail
Excellent communicator
Work Environment: The Clinic is a high-noise area, and the Veterinary Assistant will be exposed to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal urine, and feces. There is also potential exposure to animal bites and scratches.
Physical Demands: The Veterinary Assistant must be able to sit or stand for hours at a time; lift at least 40 pounds without help and over 40 pounds with help; work at a computer and type; walk; get up and down off the floor; have a full range of motion of hands and arms for animal handling.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a Full-Time, Non-Exempt position, and hours of work are approximately Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm with a one-hour (unpaid) lunch. Regular, predictable, and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
If you are interested in this position, please send your cover letter and resume to careers@ral.org. No phone calls, please.
At Richmond Animal League (RAL), we believe in equality for all. We are committed to ensuring every employee and applicant has an equal opportunity, regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
