Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant

Alpha Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness

Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant

West Caldwell, NJ
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Help Pets Recover. Restore Mobility. Change Lives.

    At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, we believe every pet deserves the opportunity to move comfortably, recover confidently, and enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

    As one of New Jersey's leading companion animal rehabilitation practices, we specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, post-operative recovery, sports medicine, senior mobility, fitness, and pain management.

    We're looking for an energetic, compassionate, and motivated Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists, helping dogs and cats regain strength, mobility, confidence, and independence.

    If you're passionate about animal health, love working hands-on with patients, enjoy exercise and movement, and want to be part of an innovative healthcare team, we'd love to meet you.

    What You'll Do

    As a Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant, you'll work closely with our rehabilitation therapists to provide exceptional patient care while helping create an outstanding experience for every client and pet.

    Patient Care

    Assist therapists during rehabilitation evaluations and treatment sessions.

    Safely handle and support canine and feline patients of all sizes.

    Prepare patients for treatment.

    Assist with therapeutic exercises and functional activities.

    Support patients during underwater treadmill therapy.

    Assist with balance, coordination, gait, and strengthening exercises.

    Help perform therapeutic stretching and range-of-motion activities under therapist direction.

    Assist with transfers, standing exercises, gait training, and mobility support for neurological patients.

    Monitor patient comfort, safety, and fatigue throughout treatment sessions.

    Help maintain accurate treatment flow between appointments.

    Rehabilitation Equipment

    Assist therapists with the preparation and use of:

    Underwater treadmills

    Therapeutic exercise equipment

    Balance equipment

    Cavaletti rails

    Peanut balls

    Balance discs and stability equipment

    Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)

    TENS units

    Therapeutic laser

    Shockwave therapy

    PEMF therapy

    Therapeutic braces and mobility devices

    (No previous rehabilitation experience is required—we will train the right candidate.)

    Facility & Patient Support

    Prepare treatment areas before each appointment.

    Clean and sanitize rehabilitation equipment between patients.

    Maintain a safe, organized, and professional clinic environment.

    Assist with patient transitions throughout the clinic.

    Help therapists maintain efficient treatment flow.

    Assist with laundry, equipment maintenance, and daily clinic preparation.

    Participate in opening, lunch, and closing responsibilities.

    Client Education

    Help reinforce therapist recommendations by:

    Demonstrating prescribed home exercises.

    Educating pet parents on safe handling techniques.

    Reviewing home exercise programs under therapist guidance.

    Encouraging client participation during rehabilitation sessions.

    Providing exceptional customer service and support.

    Who We're Looking For

    We're searching for someone who is:

    Passionate about helping animals.

    Positive, compassionate, and patient.

    Energetic and enjoys staying active throughout the day.

    Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments.

    Dependable and punctual.

    Detail-oriented and organized.

    A strong communicator and team player.

    Calm under pressure.

    Eager to learn and grow professionally.

    Comfortable taking initiative and adapting in a fast-paced environment.

    Preferred Qualifications

    Experience in one or more of the following is preferred but not required:

    Veterinary Assistant

    Veterinary Technician

    Animal Hospital

    Animal Shelter or Rescue

    Dog Daycare or Boarding Facility

    Dog Training

    Grooming

    Animal Handling

    Human Physical Therapy

    Occupational Therapy

    Athletic Training

    Exercise Science

    Kinesiology

    Biology

    Animal Science

    Pre-Veterinary Studies

    Recent graduates and students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine or rehabilitation are encouraged to apply.

    Physical Requirements

    This is an active position requiring:

    Standing and walking for extended periods.

    Assisting dogs of various sizes with mobility.

    Lifting and supporting pets when appropriate.

    Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and reaching.

    Working in and around water during hydrotherapy sessions.

    Ability to safely manage active, fearful, or mobility-impaired patients.

    Professional Growth Opportunities

    At Alpha, we believe in investing in our team.

    Opportunities may include:

    Hands-on mentorship from Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapists.

    Continuing education and in-house training.

    Learning advanced rehabilitation techniques and therapeutic modalities.

    Exposure to orthopedic, neurological, sports medicine, and geriatric rehabilitation.

    Career advancement within a rapidly growing practice.

    Opportunities to attend educational events, conferences, and workshops.

    Why Join Alpha?

    Every day is different.

    One hour you may help a puppy recover after orthopedic surgery.

    The next, you'll assist a senior dog taking its first pain-free steps in months.

    Later, you might help a paralyzed dog learn to stand and walk again.

    The work is physically active, emotionally rewarding, and deeply meaningful.

    At Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness, you'll join a team that values:

    Compassion

    Excellence

    Innovation

    Teamwork

    Lifelong learning

    Integrity

    A positive, supportive culture

    Together, we're changing lives—one patient, one family, and one step at a time.

    Position Details

    Position: Veterinary Rehabilitation Assistant

    Employment: Full-Time

    Location: Alpha Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness Fairfield, New Jersey

    Ready to Make a Difference?

    If you're looking for more than just a job—if you want a career where you can directly improve the lives of animals while growing alongside one of New Jersey's leading rehabilitation teams—we'd love to hear from you.

    Please submit:

    Your resume

    A brief cover letter telling us why you're interested in veterinary rehabilitation

    Any relevant experience working with animals, healthcare, rehabilitation, fitness, or customer service

    Join us in helping pets move better, recover stronger, and live healthier, happier lives.