Overview 

As a Temporary Hospital Veterinary Assistant (HVA) at the ASPCA Animal Hospital, you’ll play a vital role caring for animals who have experienced cruelty and neglect, while working alongside a dedicated team focused on eliminating barriers to essential veterinary care—ensuring every pet receives compassionate, high-quality treatment, no matter their owner's financial circumstances. 

Who We Are 

AAH provides expert, urgent medical care to some of NYC’s most vulnerable animals. As a component of the NYC safety net system, we provide subsidized care for animals whose owners are experiencing financial challenges and could not otherwise afford medical care for their pet. We also provide medical care for animals who come to us through our internal partners, including victims of cruelty and neglect as part of our partnership with the NYPD.   

The ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH), is passionate about minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress and pain in our patients. Team members in this position are responsible for providing services and communication to clients, members of the public, co-workers, and patients that are consistent with our practice’s standards and Fear Free values. 

What You’ll Do 

A temporary AAH Hospital Vet Assistant (HVA) reports directly to the AAH Floor Manager and has no direct reports. As an HVA at the ASPCA Animal Hospital, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our veterinarians and technicians as they provide compassionate, high-quality medical care to our patients. You will assist veterinarians during examinations, procedures, and treatments, and help safely handle and restrain animals to ensure their comfort and safety. You’ll be responsible for preparing exam rooms, surgical areas, and equipment, as well as cleaning and sterilizing instruments and hospital spaces to maintain a clean and safe environment. 

Your duties will also include feeding, exercising, and monitoring animals that are hospitalized, along with administering medications and treatments under supervision. Keeping accurate patient records and documentation is an important part of the role, as is communicating clearly and professionally with clients. Additionally, you’ll help with general hospital operations like restocking supplies and managing inventory to keep the hospital running smoothly. 

Temporary Role Details 

• This is a temporary, contingent position and the person hired will be employed through a third-party staffing agency.  

• The target hiring range for this temporary role is $24 per hour and may be modified in the future. 

Where and When You’ll Work 

• This position is an on-site role and reports to the ASPCA Animal Hospital at 424 E 92nd Street in Manhattan. 

• The intended schedule for this position is Monday - Thursday, from 10a – 8p. 

Responsibilities 

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:  

Medical and Nursing Care 

• Assist Veterinarians and LVTs with general duties in all departments 

• Treat animals and clients with care and respect, providing compassionate, low-stress patient care to all patients utilizing the AAH Fear Free guidelines. 

• Proficiency in animal handling and restraint for medical procedures 

• Capture radiographs while practicing AAH Fear Free protocols 

• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients and competently explain medications, physical therapy, and warning signs  

• Monitor and document vital signs. Capable of recognizing abnormal values and immediately communicating concerns to LVTs /Veterinarians   

• Assist with inpatient nursing care as directed by LVTs including and not limited to bottle-feeding neonates, administrating oral, topical and ophthalmic medications, performing physical therapy, running in-house tests (a-Stat, BG, PCV, TS, etc.) and preparing samples for laboratory pick-ups 

• Prepare patients for treatment room and surgical procedures, observing all hospital policies, to enforce sterility and safety of patients 

• Follow LVT/Veterinarian directions during emergencies and maintain competency in CPR  

• Ensure prompt and accurate documentation of treatments and procedures and communicate patient concerns or observed changes to LVTs /Veterinarians  

• Safely lift and transport patients up to 40 pounds

• Walk dogs outside in any weather as instructed  

Operational Support 

• Follow all PPE protocols while cleaning and disinfecting all hospital departments including treatment, surgery, wards, exam rooms, and kennels  

• Follow all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 

• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental Standard Operating Procedures 

• Set up wards and treatment, exam, and operating rooms for patient procedures, anesthesia, surgery, and support pack and prep room responsibilities  

• Ensure equipment in all areas is functional and report equipment malfunctions to management 

• Take inventory and stock supplies as needed in all departments 

• Effectively prioritize the needs of trainees, patients, and the veterinary medical support staff 

Professionalism and Training 

• Represent ASPCA in a professional and courteous manner 

• Support organization and departmental policies and protocols  

• Communicate in an effective and professional manner with clients, the public, and all ASPCA staff members to ensure the safety and compassionate care of our patients 

• Adopt a learner mind-set demonstrating willingness to learn, implement, and teach policies 

• Support onboarding and coach assigned trainees through responsibilities and patient care 

• Provide management with regular feedback about training needs, new hires, coworkers, interns, hospital operations, etc.   

• Ensure and maintain high quality standard of care, work ethic, and performance 

• Work calmly and efficiently under challenging conditions; independently and as part of a team 

• Attend staff meetings and training sessions 

• Advise supervisor of unsafe conditions including hazards or infractions of safety rules 

Qualifications 

• Ability to comprehend veterinary medical concepts to support patient needs 

• Possess excellent customer service skills 

• Basic to advanced computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and proficiency in Impromed preferred  

Language 

• English (Required) 

• Bilingualism (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred but not required 

Education and Work Experience 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred 

• 1 - 3 years of veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience preferred 

• 1 - 2 years’ experience in an animal care role or equivalent