Veterinary Assistant
Who we are:
Flatbush Cats is a Brooklyn-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to reduce overcrowded animal shelters in New York City and prevent more cats from ending up on the street in the first place. What began as a grassroots rescue effort has grown into a citywide organization addressing the root causes through affordable veterinary care, access to spay/neuter services, and community outreach.
As an independent nonprofit—not backed by venture capital, private equity, or a corporate veterinary network—we make decisions based on our mission. We recruit team members who are passionate about expanding access to veterinary care and measure success by how many pets and families we can help, not production targets.
At the heart of our work is Flatbush Veterinary Clinic, a high-volume nonprofit clinic serving low-income pet owners, rescue organizations, and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) volunteers throughout Brooklyn. Each year, the clinic performs more than 7,500 spay/neuter surgeries—a number that continues to grow—while providing affordable wellness and dental care to thousands of pets.
By combining high-quality veterinary care with a commitment to accessibility, we're helping keep pets with their families while creating a city where more people and pets can receive the support they need.
What you’ll do:
As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll support veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians across exams, surgery, and outpatient care in a fast-paced, high-volume clinic. You’ll play a critical role in maintaining efficient patient flow and supporting the medical team in managing approximately 25–35 patients per day.
Success in this role requires a fear free approach to animal handling, strict adherence to clinic medical protocols, and strong attention to detail in a high-volume environment.
You’ll assist with surgical and medical procedures, prepare patients and equipment, support anesthesia monitoring, and help ensure a safe, clean, and organized clinical environment. You’ll also support intake and discharge workflows and help ensure clients receive clear, accurate instructions about their pets’ care.
Work Schedule & Location:
This is a full-time position with a four-day workweek with one of the following schedules: Monday–Thursday or Tuesday–Friday. Specific schedule assignments will be determined based on clinic needs and candidate availability.
What you’ll get:
Compensation
The hourly pay range for this role is $25.00–$32.50, based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% employer-paid premiums
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) fully funded to cover the plan deductible, with funding levels based on coverage tier (employee-only, employee + spouse, or family)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with optional employee enrollment
$500 annual employer contribution to the FSA, provided regardless of enrollment, plus an additional employer match of up to $500 for employees who enroll
401(k) retirement plan with employer match: 100% match on the first 3% of contributions, plus 50% match on contributions up to 5%
Transit and parking benefit: $60 monthly employer contribution, applicable to either transit or parking at the employee’s discretion
3 weeks paid time off (accrual basis)
5 days paid sick time (accrual basis)
8 paid holidays
Responsibilities:
The Veterinary Assistant position will support several key components of the clinic such as:
Clinical & Surgical Support
Assist Veterinarians and LVTs during examinations, surgeries, and outpatient procedures
Support anesthesia monitoring across pre-operative, intra-operative, and recovery phases; promptly report changes in patient status
Prepare patients for surgery, ensuring proper identification, preparation, and adherence to clinic protocols
Assist in the operating room with patient positioning, movement, and surgical flow
Prepare medications, vaccines, and basic diagnostics under supervision
Support emergency response procedures under veterinary direction, including CPR protocols
Patient Care & Handling
Safely restrain and handle animals during exams, treatments, and procedures using Fear Free techniques
Provide compassionate, low-stress handling for cats and dogs across all clinic service areas
Support high-quality patient care in accordance with clinic medical protocols and standards
Client Communication & Flow
Assist with patient intake and discharge processes, escalating medical concerns as needed
Provide clear post-operative and discharge instructions to clients under staff direction
Support client education around medications, vaccines, and basic care instructions
Ensure accurate and timely completion of medical records
Equipment & Facility Support
Clean, sterilize, and prepare surgical instruments and anesthesia equipment
Maintain anesthesia machines, monitoring equipment, and clinical tools; report issues promptly
Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked clinical environment (OR, prep, exam rooms)
Follow all sanitation protocols and PPE requirements
Qualifications:
Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods (8+ hours)
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs with assistance as needed
Frequent bending, kneeling, and physical handling of animals
Strong client communication and customer service skills
Comfortable using computers and online tools, with the ability to learn new systems and technology quickly
Knowledge & Skills:
Working knowledge of basic veterinary concepts (vaccines, anesthesia risk, pharmacology basics)
Ability to support surgical and medical workflows accurately and efficiently
Strong teamwork skills and ability to take direction in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Ability to cross-train and support multiple clinic teams as needed
Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety and care quality
Language:
English (Required)
Bilingual (Spanish) Strongly Preferred