Veterinary Assistant, ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance

Summary:

Lifesaving impact, rewarding careers: For more than 150 years, the ASPCA has been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect the lives of millions of animals. We are looking for a Veterinary Assistant to join a world-class team providing high-quality, high-volume spay sterilization services at our ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance facility to support lifesaving care and make a critical impact on the vulnerable animals who need us most.

Who We Are

ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA) is the premier training center for high-quality, high-volume companion animal sterilization. Altering an average of 20,000 shelter, rescue, and publicly owned companion animals annually, ASNA has trained more than 6,500 veterinary professionals and fourth year veterinary student externs at our campus in Asheville, NC since 2005. ASNA is proud to set the bar for the standard of care in HQHVSN and provide world-class spay and neuter surgical instruction to veterinary professionals and students .

What You’ll Do

The Veterinary Assistant (VA) is the mortar of the ASNA medical team which provides support to every aspect of daily medical and surgical operations. This versatile position is challenging, fast-paced, physically and mentally demanding, and extremely rewarding. The person in this role must possess excellent multi-tasking skills, diplomatic and outstanding communication, an innate ability to perform both independently and as a team member, and have an uncompromising determination to be high functioning and perform duties consistent with best practices . Fundamental expectations for this role are providing impeccable care to surgery patients, eagerly assisting veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and kennel assistants in perioperative duties, participating in facility upkeep and maintenance, and enthusiastically hosting clients and visiting trainees. This position reports to the Manager, Medical Assistants (MMA) and is based in Asheville, North Carolina.

• Veterinary Assistants report directly to Manager, Medical Assistants and have no direct reports.

Where & When You’ll Work

• This position is an on-site role and reports to the ASPCA Spay Neuter Alliance in Asheville, NC.

• This role requires flexibility in schedule to accommodate program needs, which could include varied daily shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays

• The target start date for this position is May 4, 2026.

What You’ll Get

Compensation

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.    

The target range for this position is $22-$23.44 per hour.

Benefits

At the ASPCA, you don’t have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Affordable health coverage , including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage .

• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you .

• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year .

• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more.

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website .

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Operational Support and Training

• Participate in relationships and communications with private sector veterinarians, professional associations, professional advisors, vendors, transport partners, public clients, mentees, and internal ASPCA departments and professionals

• Be well versed in ASNA/ASPCA protocols, procedures, and standards of care

• Participate in onboarding and training ASNA veterinary assistants and other staff

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for staff, clients, and animals in ASNA care

• Master low-stress animal handling skills and implement these handling techniques consistently in all interactions with animals

• Instill the guiding principle that everyone can, and should, actively support the animals’ behavioral and mental health in everything they do

• Participate in mentoring visiting trainees relative to veterinary and kennel assistant duties

• Practice and encourage open and transparent communications in all interactions, seek out regular feedback from team and peers, and receive feedback in the constructive spirit intended

• Participate in overall ASNA facilities upkeep and maintenance including cleaning, inventory and stocking, and organization

• Drive transport vehicles as needed

• Perform the daily and supportive medical duties of a veterinary assistant which include but are not limited to:

• Flow of daily operations and surgical teams

• Preparation of surgical patients

• Anesthesia monitoring

• Patient recovery

• Patient emergency support

• Oral, topical, and injectable medication administration

• Surgical packs preparation

• Equipment operation and maintenance

• Inventory control

• Upkeep and maintenance of medical, surgical, and kennel areas

• Perform all duties of a kennel assistant as needed

Professional Development and Organizational Support

• Commit to operating in alignment with our Core Values of C ommitment, O wnership, T eam, E levate, and I mpact!

• Adhere to all policies related to operational and environmental safety of patients, staff, and visitors related directly to medical operations

• Serve in any surgical, medical, or training role as needed and support all daily operational processes to complete the day’s surgeries and training program goals successfully and safely

• Fully engage and participate in the self-performance management process including annual reviews, regular feedback sessions, required compliance training, and goal setting

• Maintain all licensures and credentials pertinent to the position

• Actively seek individual development opportunities in relation to job function

• Travel up to 5% as needed

• Under the supervision of the MMA, and in respect to role responsibilities, encourage and advocate for:

• Smooth and efficient operation of ASNA surgical, medical, and training programs

• Program policies and strategies that support ASNA’s high standards of quality and best practices

• All aspects of operations be enforced with campus wide consistency and adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations

• A positive learning environment across campus supportive of ASNA culture

• Participate in assigned ASNA department and program specific projects, cross-departmental working groups, and any other assigned commitments to support ASPCA’s 2030 goals

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the MMA or the ASNA Senior Leadership Team

Qualifications

• Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes

• Believes in Team – that we are stronger together

• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible

• Focuses on Impact , specifically making change for animals

• Possess outstanding interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to multitask and deal professionally with high levels of stress in an environment of changing daily operational priorities

• Ability to work in both a team environment and independently

• Ability to work in physically and mentally challenging conditions

• Possess companion animal handling experience

• Ability to understand that patient death is a regrettable but an inevitable part of the medical profession and adopt a healthy coping strategy for such events

• Provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history

• Possess working knowledge of basic computer/technology skills including email and Microsoft Word

• Ability to lift 35 lbs/16 kgs without assistance and over this weight with assistance, and the ability to consistently stand, bend, lift, and climb during the course of a regular work shift

Education and Work Experience:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

• Preferred 1 year experience in professional companion animal handling in a clinical setting

• Fear Free Shelter certification within 60 days of hire

Qualifications:

See above for qualifications details.

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma (Required)

Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act:
Pursuant to regulations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), we provide this notice to applicants about eligible employees’ protected leave for certain reasons. Click on the link to learn more.

Applicants that are residents of Colorado and Oregon: Per CO Senate Bill 23-058 and ORS 659A.030, we cannot generally request or require any age-related information (i.e., age, DOB, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution) on an initial employment application; this includes any age-related inquiries through completion of the initial interview. We can require/request additional application materials; if those materials contain any age-related information, an applicant should redact the information before submitting an initial employment application.

Indiana Applicants: Pursuant to Indiana law, we are providing notice that it is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by: (1) refusing to employ an applicant for employment on the basis that the applicant is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States; or (2) refusing to employ an applicant for employment on the basis that the applicant is a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component. Should you feel that you were a victim of discrimination on the basis of veteran status, please let us know at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can file a complaint with the following agencies at any time: Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) 100 North Senate Avenue, Room N103, Indianapolis, IN 46204; Office: (317) 232-2600 | Toll Free: (800) 628-2909; Hearing Impaired: (800) 743-3333 | Fax: (317) 232-6580; E-mail: [email protected] | Website: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Indianapolis Field Office; 115 W. Washington Street South Tower Suite 600; Indianapolis, IN 46204; Phone: 463-999-1240; Fax: 317-226-7953; TTY: 1-800-669-6820;ASL Video Phone: 844-234-5122.

Massachusetts Applicants: Per Massachusetts law, we are providing notice that it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Philadelphia Applicants: You may view your rights under the Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Act here .