Animal Health and Guest Experience Representative (Veterinary Assistant)

Location:

Coronado Animal Care Facility (CACF)

Schedule:

Full-time or Part-time; weekends and holidays required

Reports To:

Animal Care and Guest Experience Supervisor and Executive Director /

Shelter Leadership FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt Position Summary The Animal Health & Guest Experience Representative is a hybrid, hands-on role that supports animal health and daily care , veterinary services , and front-of-house guest engagement at PAWS of Coronado. This position plays a critical role in ensuring animals receive compassionate, high-quality care while every guest—whether adopter, volunteer, donor, or community member—has a welcoming, informative, and positive experience. This role is cross-trained in all aspects of daily shelter operations, works collaboratively with medical staff, animal care staff, volunteers, and leadership to support shelter operations, medical workflows, adoptions, reunifications, and community services. Essential Job Duties1. Animal Care & Shelter Operations Provide daily husbandry for dogs, cats, and other small animals, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and basic grooming Maintain clean and sanitary kennels, enclosures, exam areas, and common spaces in accordance with shelter and disease-control protocols Support animal intake processes, including assisting with stray intakes and documenting behavior and condition observations Monitor animal health and behavior daily and promptly report concerns to medical or leadership staff Safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes using Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques Assist with animal transport to and from veterinary partners, rescues, events, or other facilities as needed Enter detailed notes and updates into shelter software (ShelterLuv) to support shelter-wide communication Assist with adoption support activities such as meet-and-greets, advocating for animals, and attending events as needed 2. Guest Experience & Front Desk Services Serve as a welcoming, professional first point of contact for all guests entering or contacting PAWS of Coronado Greet guests, answer phones and emails, and route inquiries to the appropriate department Check in and assist guests for adoptions, relinquishments, euthanasia services, vaccine clinics, and spay/neuter appointments Reunite lost pets with their owners by confirming ownership, processing paperwork, and collecting applicable fees Process licensing applications, donations, payments, invoices, and receipts accurately Support volunteer engagement by assisting with onboarding, mentor walks, and general volunteer support Help post adoptable animals to the PAWS website and assist with basic photography and social media support as needed Sort and log in-kind donations and assist with basic administrative and clerical tasks 3. Veterinary Assistant & Medical Support Duties Assist veterinary staff with medical intake exams, wellness checks, and daily medical rounds Prepare animals for surgery and provide monitoring and post-operative care as directed Administer vaccinations, medications, and treatments under veterinary supervision Collect laboratory samples (blood, stool, urine) as directed Support community vaccine clinics and spay/neuter services Maintain accurate and timely medical records within ShelterLuv and organizational systems Coordinate medical appointments and transport with external veterinary partners Assist with inventory management, including medical supplies and medications Support tracking and follow-up of medical care for animals in foster or lifetime care programs Qualifications Strong understanding of animal behavior and force-free handling experience required. Comfortable working with dogs, cats, and small animals of all sizes and temperaments; ability to lift up to 70-80 lbs High school diploma or GED required; some college or veterinary assistant training preferred 1-2 years of experience in animal care, veterinary assisting, animal shelter experience, or customer service preferred Experience administering vaccinations, providing animal restraint required Veterinary Assistant certification or equivalent experience strongly preferred Ability to obtain a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (if applicable) Fear Free Certification or willingness to become certified within six months of hire Strong customer service and communication skills Computer proficiency, including comfort with shelter software and basic office tools Valid driver's license and ability to drive company vehicles Work Environment & Physical Requirements Fast-paced shelter environment with frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting Exposure to noise, odors, and animals of varying health and temperament Ability to safely restrain animals and perform physical tasks throughout the shift

Compensation & Benefits Compensation:

Competitive hourly wage ($25-$28/hour) commensurate with experience Benefits may include (based on status): Health, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off and holidays 401(k) Employee discounts and at-cost vaccinations Continuing education and professional development support Uniform allowance Why Join PAWS of Coronado? PAWS of Coronado is committed to compassionate animal care, strong community partnerships, and a supportive, inclusive workplace. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on animal welfare while building meaningful relationships with the community we serve.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$25.00 - $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person