Overnight Veterinary Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exceptional animal care doesn't end at the close of business and neither do we.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Overnight Veterinary Assistant to join our Medical team. In this role, you'll provide skilled overnight medical care, monitor hospitalized animals, and help ensure every animal receives exceptional care around the clock.

If you're passionate about animal welfare, enjoy working independently, and thrive in a fast-paced medical environment, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference every shift.

The Overnight Veterinary Assistant provides overnight veterinary medical care and monitoring for animals housed at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Working under the direction of the Director of Veterinary Medical Services and Veterinarians, this role administers medications and treatments, performs routine laboratory testing, monitors hospitalized patients, and maintains accurate medical records to support the ongoing care of shelter animals.

This position is responsible for conducting routine wellness rounds throughout ARL Main and Clowder House, ensuring animals remain safe, comfortable, and receive timely medical attention overnight. The Overnight Veterinary Assistant communicates proactively with the on-call veterinarian regarding changes in an animal's condition and assists with the intake and care of animals arriving after hours as needed.

In addition to providing medical care, this role prepares the medical department for the next day's operations by cleaning and sanitizing treatment areas, maintaining controlled substance records, and ensuring supplies and workspaces are organized and ready for the day shift. The Overnight Veterinary Assistant also provides specialized care for neonatal kittens in the Kitten Nursery, including feeding, cleaning, monitoring, and supporting their overall health and wellbeing.

This position works closely with overnight volunteers and fellow team members while practicing low-stress, compassionate animal handling techniques that promote animal health, reduce stress, and support recovery. Following all safety protocols, sanitation standards, medical procedures, and organizational policies is an essential part of the role.

Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of animal care or animal handling experience. Veterinary Technician certification or equivalent veterinary medical experience is preferred but not required.

The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, and able to work independently while exercising sound judgment in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should possess strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, demonstrate attention to detail, and be comfortable working around animals of all sizes and temperaments. Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, is required.

This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical demands of an active shelter environment, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, and exposure to moderate noise, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, bites, scratches, and zoonotic diseases while following established safety protocols.

At the ARL, our work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and service. As Iowa's largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, we provide medical care, shelter, and support to thousands of animals every year while helping them find safe, loving homes.

As an Overnight Veterinary Assistant, you'll play a critical role in ensuring animals continue receiving exceptional medical care long after the day shift has ended. From caring for recovering patients and vulnerable neonatal kittens to responding to overnight medical needs, your work will directly impact the health, comfort, and recovery of the animals who depend on us. If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity where your veterinary skills and compassion truly make a difference, we'd love to have you join our team.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations.