Veterinary Assistant

Overview

Openwork is proud to partner with Harris County to recruit a compassionate and experienced Veterinary Assistant for a high-volume animal shelter and clinic located in the Northside area of Houston. This is a rewarding opportunity to apply your skills in a purpose-driven environment where your work directly improves the health, safety, and well-being of animals every day.

If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are passionate about animal welfare, this role offers meaningful work and the chance to make a real difference.

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will support veterinarians and clinical staff in providing high-quality medical care in a shelter environment. Your contributions will help ensure safe, efficient medical operations while promoting positive outcomes for animals and the community. You’ll also play an important role in educating pet owners and supporting responsible animal care.

• Provide daily animal husbandry and compassionate care under veterinary supervision, following all safety protocols.
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked clinical areas; sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.
• Document treatments, diagnoses, and procedures in the shelter’s medical software system.
• Administer medications and assist with diagnostic tests as directed by veterinary staff.
• Assist with safe animal restraint, radiography, and preventive care procedures.
• Educate pet owners on responsible pet ownership and post-treatment care.
• Support health, safety, and sanitation standards in a busy, high-volume shelter setting.

• High school diploma or GED (required).
• Minimum of 1+ year of experience in animal care, veterinary, or shelter environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and accurate data entry skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced setting.
• Compassionate, dependable, and committed to animal welfare.

This is a hands-on role in an active shelter environment with exposure to animals, allergens, odors, noise, and varying temperatures. The position requires frequent standing, bending, lifting, and stooping, as well as safely restraining animals and lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Pay: $16.50 per hour (weekly pay).
• Schedule: 40 hours per week with rotating weekend shifts.
• Flexibility: Required to meet shelter and clinic needs.

Openwork is a people-first staffing company with over 50 years of experience connecting individuals with meaningful work. Our mission is to build careers, strengthen organizations, and support communities—one person at a time
.