Santa Fe Animal Shelter100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM • 505-983-4309Effective Date:Job Title: Thaw Veterinary Assistant IIWork Location: 100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507Department: Thaw HospitalReports to: Veterinary Practice Manager and or CEOFSLA Classification:X Full-time□ Part-time 30 hours per week□ ExemptX Non-ExemptJob Summary:The Veterinary Assistant II supports the veterinarians and lead technicians in providing high-quality medical and surgical care to animals within the Thaw Hospital. This role requires advanced knowledge of animal handling, intake procedures, and medical protocols. The Veterinary Assistant II performs animal intakes, assists with diagnostic and treatment procedures, monitors patient recovery, and ensures the clinic maintains a clean, safe, and fear-free environment. This position requires the ability to work independently on routine tasks, provide guidance to entry-level staff, and interact professionally with clients and team membersEssential Functions and Responsibilities:● Animal Intake & Records Management● Conduct intake of animals by assisting with physical exams, recording medical conditions, administering preventative care (vaccinations, deworming, parasite treatments), and ensuring all data is entered accurately into the shelter's software system.● Maintain accurate and complete medical records, following established protocols.● Medical & Surgical Support● Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, and surgical procedures, including radiographs, blood collection, catheter placement, anesthesia monitoring, and medication administration.● Provide supportive care such as monitoring weights, vital signs, and recovery from anesthesia.● Client & Team Interaction● Provide clear and accurate take-home instructions to clients when animals are discharged.● Model professional, respectful communication with all team members and assist in mentoring Veterinary Assistant I staff as needed.● Animal Care & Husbandry● Ensure animals are handled with compassion using fear-free handling techniques.● Administer prescribed medications, feed, and exercise animals according to veterinary instructions.● Assist in the safe movement of animals throughout the hospital and shelter system.● Facility & Equipment Maintenance● Participate in cleaning and sanitizing kennels, clinic areas, surgical suites, exam rooms, restrooms, and laundry.● Restock supplies and ensure the clinic is organized and prepared for daily operations.● Other Duties● Perform additional duties as assigned by the Veterinary Practice ManagerEducation and/or Work Experience Requirements: Minimum 1-2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or in animal care; prior experience in a veterinary hospital or shelter strongly preferred. Proficiency in animal restraint, administering medications, and assisting with diagnostic procedures. Familiarity with veterinary software systems (e.g., shelter management programs) preferred. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Commitment to humane and fear-free animal handling practices.Physical Requirements:Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance.Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on the telephone.Must be able to spend most of the day standing or walking with occasional periods of sitting. Must be able to stoop, bend, and reach.Must be able to endure frequent interruptions and handle a great deal of flexibility in assignment of job dutiesMust be able to be in loud environments and talk loudly over kennel noise when necessary.Must have good manual dexterity for handling and examining animals as well as for entering data into the computer system.Must be able to handle exposure to a variety of potentially dangerous, fast-moving animals, and other working conditions such as poor ventilation, heat, cold, sudden temperature changes, wet quarters, noise, medical, chemical, and surgical odors, as well as animal odors, parasites, disease, including potential exposure to limited zoonotic diseases.