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Clinic Veterinary Assistant

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking a reliable and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to support the medical services and mission of our Afford-a-Care Pet Clinics. This position plays an important role in delivering high-quality, affordable veterinary care while ensuring positive, supportive experiences for both pets and their owners. The ideal candidate is passionate about animal welfare, enjoys hands-on animal care, and thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented clinic environment.

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will work closely with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to support daily medical operations and patient care. Responsibilities include assisting during physical examinations and medical procedures, safely handling and restraining animals, and preparing exam rooms and treatment areas. You will help maintain patient comfort and safety before, during, and after procedures, assist with cleaning and disinfecting equipment and workspaces, and support patient recovery and monitoring as directed by veterinary staff. You may also assist with basic laboratory preparation, stocking supplies, and maintaining medical equipment under supervision.

In this role, you will interact regularly with clients by providing friendly, professional support and reinforcing basic post-visit care instructions as directed by the veterinary team. Your ability to communicate clearly and compassionately will help create a positive experience for pet owners and ensure they feel welcomed and supported throughout their visit. Maintaining a clean, organized, and safe clinic environment while following ARL policies, safety standards, and animal care protocols is essential to success in this position.

Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma or GED or the ability to obtain one. This position requires prior professional animal-handling experience and is best suited for candidates who are already comfortable safely handling, restraining, and caring for dogs and cats in a professional setting. A minimum of one year of hands-on experience working directly with animals in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, boarding kennel, grooming facility, daycare, training facility, or similar professional animal-care environment is required. Experience limited to pet ownership, pet sitting, delivery driving, retail, or other non-animal-care roles does not meet this requirement. No formal veterinary education or certification is required, and on-the-job training is provided.

The ideal candidate will have a basic understanding of animal behavior and handling techniques, strong communication and customer service skills, and the ability to follow instructions accurately. Attention to detail, reliability, adaptability, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment are important for this role. Basic computer skills are helpful.

This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building a long-term career in veterinary medicine. Veterinary Assistants gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians while making a meaningful impact on pets and the people who love them. ARL is committed to supporting employee career growth and professional development. Employees interested in expanding their veterinary knowledge may be eligible for educational reimbursement for approved coursework related to veterinary medicine. In addition, employees pursuing a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential may be eligible for reimbursement assistance to support approved veterinary technician education programs and successful completion of certification requirements. We believe in investing in our team members and creating opportunities for career advancement within the organization.

This position requires the ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds and to stand or sit for extended periods of time. The work environment may include exposure to animal odors, waste, bites, scratches, contagious diseases, and moderate noise levels. A calm, professional demeanor and a willingness to learn are essential in this dynamic clinical setting.

The regular schedule for this position is 4 10 hour days through out a Monday through Friday with rotating half-day Saturdays.

At the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, you are not just taking a job; you are joining a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals and the people who love them. You will work alongside compassionate professionals, gain hands-on experience in veterinary medicine, and have access to opportunities for continued learning and professional growth. Together, we help ensure that affordable veterinary care remains accessible to our community while creating a place where pets, people, and employees can thrive.

Employment with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa is at-will, meaning either the employee or ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants to discuss accommodation needs during the hiring process.