Veterinary Services Assistant
Job Description: Veterinary Services Assistant
Classification: Full Time or Part Time
Starting Salary: $17 - $20.50 per hour
Summary/Objective: Richmond Animal League is seeking a Veterinary Services Assistant to provide hands-on medical care and independent case management for the dogs and cats in our care. This role plays a critical part in monitoring medical cases, implementing treatment protocols, maintaining accurate medical records, and proactively identifying next steps in patient care.
This position requires strong veterinary assistant skills, sound clinical judgment, excellent organization, the ability to independently triage priorities and manage a dynamic caseload, and close collaboration with the shelter medical team and other departments. The ideal candidate is self-directed, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced medical environment, enjoys tracking cases over time to ensure that details don’t fall through the cracks, notices problems before being asked and takes initiative to resolve them, and can balance hands-on animal care and technical skills with extensive documentation and follow-up.
Richmond Animal League:
Today, RAL is in growth mode, expanding our reach and impact toward a future where all cats and dogs are in loving homes with access to the support they need to thrive. We work with over 60 area shelters and rescue partners to reduce euthanasia across Virginia. RAL provides temporary housing, medical treatment, vaccinations, spay/ neuter, and loving care for pets to help them find new homes.
As we approach our 50th anniversary, RAL is stronger than ever, with plans for continued growth and impact in our communities. We’re proud of the difference we are making, the talented staff, our ambitious board, and our supportive community. This is a pivotal moment for the organization, with exciting plans for our campus, growth, and impact, and it’s a fantastic place to work.
As a Veterinary Services Assistant your responsibilities will include:
Medical care & Case Management
Provide hands-on medical care, including administering oral and injectable medications and performing treatments as directed by the shelter veterinarian.
Independently initiate and carry out treatment plans using established shelter protocols, escalating concerns appropriately when cases fall outside protocol.
Serve as a point of continuity for assigned medical cases by tracking progress, identifying gaps in care, and ensuring timely follow-up.
Collect, process, and document diagnostic samples (blood, urine, skin scrapes, ear cytology, etc.) and prepare specimens for external laboratory submission.
Take and process radiographs following established safety and quality standards.
Coordinate medical appointments and transport animals to off-site veterinarians and specialists, ensuring complete transfer of records and post-visit follow-up.
Animal Care & Health Monitoring
Provide daily animal care, including feeding, exercise, medicating, bathing, and enrichment when needed.
Monitor animals closely for changes in physical condition, behavior, appetite, or stress levels.
Identify emerging medical or behavioral concerns, triage urgency, and initiate appropriate next steps.
Communicate observations clearly through written documentation and verbal updates to the appropriate department.
Medical Records & Data Integrity
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete medical records in the shelter management system.
Take ownership of data quality by auditing records, identifying missing or inconsistent information, and correcting errors.
Run reports and review medical data to ensure compliance with shelter protocols and continuity of care.
Customer Service & Collaboration
Provide professional, compassionate customer service to adopters, volunteers, staff, and external veterinary partners.
Support and guide volunteers and foster workers in medical and animal care roles, reinforcing protocols and Fear Free handling practices.
Communicate clearly and respectfully within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Training & Professional Development
Complete Fear Free Sheltering certification within the first 60 days of employment.
Participate in continuing education and skill development as opportunities arise.
What we’re looking for in you:
Key Qualifications
You have strong Clinical judgement, and at least one year in hands on animal care/veterinary medicine.
You have basic animal handling skills.
You are comfortable with data entry, reporting, and record auditing.
You have strong case prioritization and triage skills, organizational skill, attention to detail, time management skills, written and verbal communication skills.
You have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
You are 21 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license.
You have the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population.
Preferred Qualifications:
You have strong veterinary medical terminology knowledge.
You have strong animal handling skills.
You have been a veterinary assistant previously.
Bilingual speakers are encouraged to apply and will be compensated.
Details:
This is a full-time non-exempt position. This role will require evening and weekend work, and some holiday hours will be necessary. An on-call rotation may be included in the future. Regular and reliable attendance is essential. Schedules may be 5 8 hour days OR 4 10 hour days. This is an in person position.
Benefits include: health care coverage, dental, eye, SIMPLE IRA match, short term disability, generous PTO, an Employee Assistance Program, flexible scheduling, and professional development opportunities.
Work Environment: The work environment includes the shelter and clinic, which can have high noise levels, exposure to cleaning chemicals, animal-related allergens, and potential for bites and scratches. Physical demands may include lifting, extensive walking, bending, and standing. Work will occur both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs independently.
To apply: Please send all resumes to Anne Auditore at careers@ral.org. Please include your resume, a cover letter or a statement of interest for the position, and let us know how you heard about the job. We’re excited to hear from you!
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.
