Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society
Thaw Veterinarian Assistant III
Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society, Santa Fe, New Mexico, us, 87503
Santa Fe Animal Shelter
100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM • 505-983-4309
Effective Date:
Job Title:
Thaw Veterinary Assistant III
Work Location: 100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Department:
Thaw Hospital
Reports to:
Veterinary Practice Manager and or CEO
FSLA Classification:
X
Full-time
□
Part-time 30 hours per week □
Exempt
X
Non-Exempt
Job Summary:
The Veterinary Assistant III serves as a senior-level support role within Thaw Hospital, working under the supervision of the veterinarians and medical leadership team. This position is responsible for advanced technical assistance in medical and surgical procedures, mentoring and training junior veterinary assistants, and ensuring compliance with hospital protocols. The Veterinary Assistant III is expected to demonstrate strong clinical judgment, handle complex animal care cases, and provide leadership in maintaining a safe, clean, and fear-free hospital environment. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Advanced Medical & Surgical Support
Independently perform advanced veterinary support tasks, including: Blood draws, IV catheter placement, laboratory sample collection and processing.
Assisting with induction, monitoring, and recovery of anesthesia.
Preparing patients and equipment for surgical procedures.
Taking and processing diagnostic imaging (radiographs, dental radiographs).
Assist veterinarians in complex medical and surgical cases, ensuring adherence to best practices and hospital standards.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed with a high degree of accuracy.
Leadership & Mentorship
Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to Veterinary Assistant I and II staff, modeling professional behavior and high-quality animal care.
Act as a lead resource for staff questions related to medical protocols, intake procedures, and fear-free handling techniques.
Support onboarding and training of new staff and volunteers assigned to the clinic.
Client & Team Communication
Provide professional client interaction, including detailed discharge instructions and education on post-treatment and home care.
Serve as a liaison between the veterinary team and other shelter departments to ensure smooth animal flow and communication.
Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and professionalism in all staff interactions.
Animal Care & Welfare
Monitor patient progress, including weights, appetite, hydration, and overall health, reporting changes promptly to veterinarians.
Ensure the compassionate handling of all animals, following fear-free protocols.
Assist with movement and transport of animals throughout the hospital and shelter.
Facility & Operational Support
Oversee cleaning, disinfecting, and restocking protocols for kennels, surgical suites, and exam rooms.
Maintain hospital equipment and ensure supplies are available for daily operations.
Assist in developing and updating SOPs for medical care and clinic operations.
Other Duties
· Perform additional duties as assigned by the Veterinary Practice Manager
Job Title:
Thaw Veterinary Assistant III
Work Location: 100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Department:
Thaw Hospital
Reports to:
Veterinary Practice Manager and or CEO
FSLA Classification:
X
Full-time
□
Part-time 30 hours per week □
Exempt
X
Non-Exempt
Job Summary:
The Veterinary Assistant III serves as a senior-level support role within Thaw Hospital, working under the supervision of the veterinarians and medical leadership team. This position is responsible for advanced technical assistance in medical and surgical procedures, mentoring and training junior veterinary assistants, and ensuring compliance with hospital protocols. The Veterinary Assistant III is expected to demonstrate strong clinical judgment, handle complex animal care cases, and provide leadership in maintaining a safe, clean, and fear-free hospital environment. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Advanced Medical & Surgical Support
Independently perform advanced veterinary support tasks, including: Blood draws, IV catheter placement, laboratory sample collection and processing.
Assisting with induction, monitoring, and recovery of anesthesia.
Preparing patients and equipment for surgical procedures.
Taking and processing diagnostic imaging (radiographs, dental radiographs).
Assist veterinarians in complex medical and surgical cases, ensuring adherence to best practices and hospital standards.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed with a high degree of accuracy.
Leadership & Mentorship
Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to Veterinary Assistant I and II staff, modeling professional behavior and high-quality animal care.
Act as a lead resource for staff questions related to medical protocols, intake procedures, and fear-free handling techniques.
Support onboarding and training of new staff and volunteers assigned to the clinic.
Client & Team Communication
Provide professional client interaction, including detailed discharge instructions and education on post-treatment and home care.
Serve as a liaison between the veterinary team and other shelter departments to ensure smooth animal flow and communication.
Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and professionalism in all staff interactions.
Animal Care & Welfare
Monitor patient progress, including weights, appetite, hydration, and overall health, reporting changes promptly to veterinarians.
Ensure the compassionate handling of all animals, following fear-free protocols.
Assist with movement and transport of animals throughout the hospital and shelter.
Facility & Operational Support
Oversee cleaning, disinfecting, and restocking protocols for kennels, surgical suites, and exam rooms.
Maintain hospital equipment and ensure supplies are available for daily operations.
Assist in developing and updating SOPs for medical care and clinic operations.
Other Duties
· Perform additional duties as assigned by the Veterinary Practice Manager