Job Posting Title:
Veterinary Assistant Department:
Animal Care Location:
3001 2nd St SW Pay Range:
$21.15 - $30.13
Close Date:
November 17, 2026 Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.
The Veterinary Assistant supports licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing medical and surgical care to animals. Assists with basic treatment, administers medications and vaccines, and helps ensure the health and welfare of animals in the shelter. Prepares and sanitizes surgical instruments, assists with surgical procedures and post-operative care, draw blood samples, performs basic laboratory tests, and maintains medical records. Supports humane euthanasia procedures and may operate the cremation unit. Work is performed under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, with an emphasis on animal care, cleanliness, and public education. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assists veterinary medical staff with all surgeries including anesthesia administration, recording controlled substances, intubation of animals, surgical site preparation, and observation under anesthesia and recovery.
• Assists in the daily setup of the surgical suite, records oxygen/temperature logs, performs pre-surgical equipment checks and maintenance to ensure properly functioning equipment.
• Cleans surgical instruments daily, prepares surgical packs, and operates sterilization equipment; Cleans, sanitizes, and disinfects treatment area and surgical suite daily; Restocks medical supplies.
• Receives daily drop-off and release animals that come into the facility for surgical procedures. Reviews post-operative care instructions and/or medical conditions of animals.
• Assists Veterinary medical staff with daily rounds/observation of health and welfare of animals in the clinic and throughout the shelter. (a) Reports injuries and irregular behavior of animals to Veterinarian, Director, or Sheltering Manager. (b) Follows up on the health observations reported by staff and volunteers and advises the Veterinarian regarding animals that need further medical care. (c) Assists with triage and treatment of emergency patients.
• Assists in the identification of possible infectious disease outbreaks. Works with the Veterinarian and other staff to take appropriate preventive action.
• Medicates and performs treatments on hospitalized animals. Properly logs controlled substances. Performs basic laboratory procedures, sample collection, and testing as directed.
• Enters and maintains health, treatment, test results, surgery, and medication records in the database for all animals.
• Provides daily husbandry and care of animals in the clinic, transition, and isolation areas; restocks supplies; and disinfects medical outdoor exercise areas following proper sanitation protocols.
• Administers vaccines, implants microchips, and performs initial screening examinations on new arrivals, foster animals, and recheck appointments.
• Obtains radiographic studies, following radiation safety protocols, under the direction of the Veterinarian.
• Performs and assists with euthanasia of animals; ensures safe and humane handling of animals and drugs during procedure.
• Assists in maintaining inventory of medications, vaccines, and medical supplies to ensure availability and timely ordering. Removes expired products.
• Responsible for obtaining a Euthanasia Technician (EUT) license and accumulating annual Continuing…