Shelter Veterinary Nurse

1 x Full-Time 6-Month Fixed Term (76 hours per fortnight)

1 x Part-Time 6-Month Fixed Term (38 hours per fortnight)

Advertising Summary:

The Lost Dogs' Home is seeking a passionate Shelter Veterinary Nurse to join our dedicated veterinary team in North Melbourne for a fixed term during our busy peak season. As an iconic not-for-profit animal welfare organisation, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every lost and abandoned animal that comes through our doors.

This is a great opportunity to use your skills in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment, supporting our veterinarians in surgery, treatment, and daily shelter care. By joining us during this busy period, you'll play a vital role in helping thousands of animals get the best chance at a brighter future.

About us:

At The Lost Dogs' Home, we are a foundation in Victoria's animal welfare landscape, celebrated for our compassionate care of around 18,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats every year. Beyond caring for animals, we are dedicated to providing diverse services such as veterinary health, behaviour, advocacy and community education programs, all aimed at giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life. Our mission is upheld by passionate individuals who embody a profound affinity for animals, community, and advocacy.

About the Role:

As a Veterinary Nurse, you will play a vital role in every stage of an animal's journey - from intake and treatment through to recovery and rehoming. Working alongside a team of dedicated and compassionate veterinarians and nurses, you'll have the opportunity to broaden your clinical and surgical nursing skills in both a fast-paced shelter environment and our general practice veterinary hospital.

You'll be supported by experienced colleagues who will provide ongoing guidance and mentorship, with opportunities to continue developing your technical skills in areas such as triage, anaesthesia monitoring, post-operative care, enrichment, and behavioural assessment. This is a rewarding role where no two days are the same, and your work has a direct impact on improving the lives of animals in need.

Whether you're an experienced veterinary nurse or early in your nursing career, this role offers variety, growth, and purpose in a collaborative and animal-focused environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Triage of incoming shelter animals and providing initial health assessment
• Rotating through hospital, ward, surgical and support nursing roles
• Carrying out veterinary procedures under the guidance of the Veterinarian
• Maintaining clinical records.
• Identifying, treating and reporting animals that are ill or have behavioural problems.

About You:

We're on the lookout for veterinary nurses with a range of experience levels who share our passion for promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Whether you're newly qualified or bring years of hands-on expertise, if you're committed to providing the highest standard of care to animals, we'd love to hear from you.

We're particularly looking for individuals who have:

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or are currently working towards it)
• Excellent animal handling skills and a solid understanding of animal behaviour
• A genuine passion for animal care and a strong advocate for best practice
• The flexibility to work across a rotating roster

What we can offer you:

• Fantastic career development and opportunities to develop skills not only shelter medicine but also in the animal welfare industry
• Generous financial assistance and support for further studies and career development courses
• Great work-life balance, no afterhours work
• An animal only role, no reception or client facing duties
• A compassionate, supportive and proud work environment
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and onsite counselling service
• Discounts at our private practice veterinary clinic

If you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to be successful in this role, Click "Apply" ensuring you have attached your cover letter and current resume in Word or PDF format. If you have any further questions or queries regarding the role, please email

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early as the role may close if a suitable candidate is found. Don't miss out—apply today

The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete background screening checks.

The Lost Dogs' Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.