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Job Description
Surgery Vet Assistant and Intake Coordinator Wags & Walks Nashville Hermitage, TN Job Details Part-time | Full-time $20 - $24 an hour 19 hours ago Benefits Health insurance 401(k) Paid time off Employee discount Flexible schedule Qualifications Companion animal handling Teamwork Google Docs Team leadership In-person customer service Animal behavior Slack Driver's License Attention to detail Organizational skills Veterinary assistant experience Time management Full Job Description
ABOUT US
Wags & Walks is a 501c3 nonprofit dog rescue in Nashville. We are a community of dog lovers working to promote shelter dogs as the best dogs in the world through advocacy of our unique family-friendly foster and adoption programs. Position Overview The Surgery Veterinary Assistant & Intake Coordinator plays a vital hands-on role within Wags & Walks Rescue, supporting both the Medical and Intake teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care for all dogs entering and moving through the organization. This position bridges clinical support, surgery coordination, and intake operations, ensuring medical readiness, accurate records, and clear communication across departments. The Veterinary Assistant & Intake Coordinator works closely with the Medical Manager, Intake Manager, veterinarians, and support staff to maintain high medical standards, smooth surgical flow, and thorough intake processes. This role requires strong organization, attention to detail, adaptability, and comfort in a fast-paced rescue and clinical environment. Key ResponsibilitiesClinical & Surgery Support Assist with surgery preparation, including setting up surgical areas, preparing supplies, and ensuring all necessary materials are ready prior to procedures. Work closely with the Medical Manager to review and execute the daily surgery schedule, ensuring all dogs are medically cleared and fully prepared. Induce and intubate dogs under the direction of licensed veterinarians and according to established protocols. Continuously monitor each dog under anesthesia to ensure safe surgical outcomes, including tracking vital signs and alerting veterinarians immediately to any concerns. Communicate closely with veterinarians during surgery, anticipating needs and responding promptly to requests to support efficient and safe procedures. Pull and prepare controlled drugs as directed, following all protocols and under appropriate supervision. Support surgical flow by helping maintain pace, organization, and cleanliness during surgery days. Assist in running emergency codes as needed, following established emergency procedures and working as part of the medical team. Prepare, monitor, and maintain the recovery area, ensuring it is properly set up prior to surgeries and thoroughly cleaned afterward. Ensure all surgical packs are properly wrapped, autoclaved, and stored according to protocol. Assist with treatments and post-operative care as directed by the medical team. Communicate with fosters, adopters, or clients when dogs are ready for pickup following procedures. Intake Coordination & Medical Processing Participate in all dog intakes whenever possible to ensure continuity and medical oversight. Ensure appropriate medical steps and treatments are completed during intake and that medical staff is present when required. Review prior medical records for each intake dog and flag any concerns to the medical team. Assist the Intake Manager with creating Shelter Manager profiles and entering dogs into Rescue Dog. Support uploading intake documentation, medical records, and behavioral information into each dog's chart. Coordinate with the Intake Manager to ensure all intake records are complete, accurate, and properly filed. Schedule radiographs for heartworm-positive dogs during intake and ensure all heartworm protocols are followed. Proactively flag any medical conditions or concerns identified during intake to the Medical Manager and medical team. Cross-Team Communication & Coordination Maintain clear, consistent communication with the Medical Manager and Intake Manager to support seamless operations. Support scheduling, follow-ups, and coordination between medical, intake, foster, and adoption teams. Assist with communication to fosters as needed regarding medical updates, care instructions, or next steps. Emergency & On-Call Responsibilities Provide limited coverage on the medical phone line only when directed by a manager or director. Be on-call for emergencies on assigned days, responding to fosters only in the event of a true medical emergency. Escalate urgent or concerning cases to the Medical Manager or Medical Director as appropriate. Qualifications & Skills Experience as a veterinary assistant, intake coordinator, or in animal rescue/shelter medicine strongly preferred. Comfortable working in a clinical and surgical environment. Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail, particularly in medical documentation. Ability to multitask and remain calm in a fast-paced, high-volume setting. Excellent communication skills with staff, fosters, adopters, and clients. Ability to follow medical protocols, safety procedures, and confidentiality requirements. Compassionate, professional demeanor with both people and animals. Reporting Structure Reports directly to the Medical Manager and Intake Manager, and thereafter Medical Director. Works closely with veterinarians, medical staff, intake staff, and operations teams. Receives direction from the Medical Director as needed. Work Environment & Expectations Hands-on role requiring physical activity, including lifting, standing for extended periods, and assisting in surgery and recovery. Flexibility required for intake days, surgery days, and emergency coverage. Commitment to animal welfare, teamwork, and the mission of Wags & Walks Rescue is essential. Adherence to all medical, intake, and organizational protocols is required at all times.
QUALITIES
Must be a dog lover and possess a strong knowledge of dog behavior and medical needs. Must be able to multitask and be organized. Problem solving and taking initiative Must be willing to get your hands dirty, have a flexible schedule, and reliable. Must be able to lead and communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse group of employees and volunteers. Must have excellent people management, customer service experience, proven attention to detail, good organizational and time management skills. Must be a team player and have a positive attitude. Personable, professional, upbeat and energetic.
QUALIFICATIONS
2+ years of hands on animal care experience 2+ years as a vet assistant Must have a passion for the rescue mission and mentality Must be able to stand for the majority of the shift Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs to help move kennel crates, dog food, and other supplies. Must have proficiency with computers including word, excel, slack and google docs. Must have a current and valid Tennessee Driver's License. Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends and adjust as needed with what the center needs.
Job Types:
Full-time, Part-time Pay:
$20.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off
