Companion Animal Veterinary Transporter in Salem, Oregon at The Asher House Sanctuary

Companion Animal Veterinary Transporter

Salem, Oregon | Full-Time / Part-Time

ABOUT THE ASHER HOUSE

The Asher House is a registered nonprofit sanctuary based in Salem, Oregon, dedicated to rescuing animals that have been discarded or unwanted and giving them a life of comfort, love, and adventure. For over two years, Founder Lee Asher traveled across the country promoting dog adoption and spotlighting shelters and rescues nationwide. After the loss of his own dog, Lee set out to fulfill a lifelong dream: creating a sanctuary where animals could feel treasured, protected, and free. In late 2020, he found the property that would bring that vision to life. Today, The Asher House is on a mission to make the world a better place, one rescue animal at a time — helping people have better days and animals find their forever homes.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Companion Animal Veterinary Transporter plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, humane transport of companion animals — dogs and cats — between the sanctuary and veterinary clinics, hospitals, and other care facilities. This role requires close attention to each animal's physical and emotional needs throughout transit, along with strong coordination between the Companion Animal Care team, Medical team, and veterinary staff. Appointments may be pre-scheduled or arise on short notice based on urgent need, so flexibility and responsiveness are essential. Ultimately, this position calls for a compassionate, dependable individual committed to animal welfare and professional service delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Transportation & Handling

• Safely transport companion animals (dogs and cats) between the sanctuary and veterinary clinics or hospitals, accommodating both pre-scheduled and last-minute, urgent appointments
• Handle animals using appropriate restraint and calming techniques to minimize stress, prevent injury, and ensure comfort and security throughout the journey
• Coordinate with the Companion Animal Care team prior to transport to receive key health and behavioral information, including handling guidance, and participate in just-in-time training as needed

Appointment Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate schedules with veterinary staff, pet owners, and internal teams to arrange timely, well-communicated pickups and drop-offs
• Provide veterinary staff with all pertinent and current health information during each appointment
• Communicate medication updates, treatment plans, and other medical information with the Medical and Animal Care teams via Connect Teams

Documentation & Recordkeeping

• Accurately document transport details — including animal condition, pickup/drop-off times, and any incidents or observations — as well as follow-up veterinary information in the animal database
• Accurately enter animal care records, treatment plans, and medications into PetPoint
• Maintain and update medication logs, including completing, uploading, and filing logs into the appropriate animal records

Vehicle & Equipment Care

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of transport vehicles and equipment in accordance with health and safety standards
• Unload used crates after each transport and flag them as needing disinfection
• Support the Medical Team with cleaning, restocking, and organizing medical supplies
• Perform other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Experience handling and caring for companion animals, including knowledge of basic animal behavior and restraint techniques
• Ability to safely lift and carry animals of various sizes
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with pet owners, veterinary staff, and internal teams
• Availability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in animal transportation or veterinary support roles
• Certification in pet first aid and CPR
• Familiarity with local and state regulations regarding animal transport
• Experience driving larger vehicles, such as vans or trucks equipped for animal transport
• Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare through volunteer work or related activities

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A valid driver's license and a driving record free of major violations are required. Final offer of employment is contingent upon successful review and approval of driving history and background check.

The Asher House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law