Our Vision: To be a leader in animal welfare, working for a compassionate society where all animals are respected and valued.
Our Mission: To Improve the Lives of Animals.
Job Summary
The Veterinary Assistant, under the direction of the Manager, Shelter Medicine, is a member of shelter care team, responsible for assisting staff with all aspects of animal health and wellness. This position is also responsible for assisting with clinical procedures, stocking and cleaning of clinic facilities and upkeep, cleaning and maintenance of clinic equipment and supplies.
Main Duties/Responsibilities
- Assist with client and patient intake and discharge for clinic appointments
- Ensure all exam and treatment areas are properly cleaned between patients and biosecurity measures are properly employed
- Safely and humanely restrain patients, striving for methods that cause the lowest amount of stress possible
- Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, and tools
- Ensure exam and operating rooms are stocked
- Assist vet and vet technicians with procedures
- Provide care for animals after procedures
- Change animal bandages, bedding, and kennels as required
- Administer medications
- Assist in collecting samples such as blood or urine for testing
- Assist in emergency first aid
- Communicate with and provide support to clients.
- Educate clients about animal health, conditions, and proper care
- Maintain equipment according to manufacturer instructions and ensure appropriate quality control measures are performed
- Record abnormalities through HVC protocols and procedures
- Enter initial and follow up exams in Pet point to ensure up-to-date records and scheduled rechecks at direction of Veterinarian or Registered Veterinary Technician
- Complete the duties of Animal Care Workers when required for daily operation as determined by departmental management
- Discard of expired/unused portions of medications/Drugs appropriately
- Ensuring that the waiting area is calm and quiet for animals and people at all times
- Prepare and maintain files for animals in care
- Attend and participate in workshops, seminars, and in-service training to further education, skills, and training.
- Be aware of and work within the regulations of all Toronto Humane Society policies and protocols
- Work in compliance with the provisions of the OHSA and its regulations, including understanding and adhering to the requirements of the Health and Safety Manual, and any other rules and regulations established by the Toronto Humane Society
- Work cooperatively with all volunteers and recognize the talent and commitment they bring to the Society
- Other Duties as required in the day-to-day operation of the Society.
Qualifications/Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent, and approved Veterinary Assistant Certification;
- 1 year of experience in a shelter setting or veterinary clinic
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
- Strong animal care and biosecurity knowledge
- Knowledge of a variety of animals, animal behaviour and their care requirements
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and adapt to change
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Experience supporting high-volume appointments and population management an asset.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)
- Organized with meticulous records maintenance skills and attention to detail
Work Conditions
- Interaction with employees, management, and the public at large
- Interaction with others under varying circumstances-including situations of a highly sensitive nature
- Flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Occasional overtime
- May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy to moderately heavy objects and materials and some combination of climbing and balancing to include stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling
- Physical ability to restrain larger pets when necessary
- Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal bites/attacks, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.
This posting is for an existing job vacancy.
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Candidate Potential
At Toronto Humane Society, we value diverse perspectives and recognize that a great candidate may not check every box. If you're passionate about animal welfare and believe you have the potential to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you may not meet every listed qualification. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are committed to providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Toronto Humane Society is committed to building and sustaining a diverse and equitable workplace where people’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, respected, and welcome. We recognize that a diverse and empowered workforce helps us better serve our animals, clients, and community and contributes to Toronto Humane Society’s overall growth and success. Therefore, we strongly encourage qualified applications from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups within the animal welfare sector, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomers, 2S/LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
Accommodation Needs
Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.
Use of AI in Recruitment
To streamline our hiring process, we utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage and organize applications. While the ATS aids in efficiency, the core evaluation of candidates is carried out by our human resources team. This approach ensures a personalized review that allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant's unique skills and potential.
Next Steps
We thank all applicants for their interest in Toronto Humane Society, however due to the high number of applications we receive, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.
