Job Title: Veterinary Assistant (Veterinary Field Clinic)
Location: Crete, Greece (Rotating Clinic)
Position Type: Full-time / 5-year Fixed Term Contract
Start Date: As soon as possible
Reports To: Veterinarian/ Head of Clinics
About Zero Stray Pawject, Inc.
Zero Stray Pawject is an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy, public health, education, and animal welfare. Our mission is to solve the root causes of stray dog and cat populations and prevent animals from ever ending up stray, homeless, or on the streets.
We design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based programs led by an international team of experts in public health, law, veterinary medicine, animal welfare, business management, and economics.
We work hand-in-hand with municipalities, mayors, law enforcement, the judiciary, commercial veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and schools to deliver sustainable prevention programs that reduce stray populations and create lasting societal change. Every initiative is guided by clear KPIs to ensure measurable impact.
Building on our successful proof-of-concept in Aegina, we launched a pioneering pilot program in Crete to systematically reduce stray dog and cat populations. Working closely with municipalities, law enforcement, and local communities, we provide free or subsidized neutering, microchipping, and DNA services to pet owners from vulnerable groups (low income, unemployed, and more), agricultural farmers, and hunters, ensuring all companion animals are responsibly cared for and registered according to the companion animal welfare legislation 4830/2021.
To address gaps in veterinary access in rural areas, we offer free veterinary care, supporting pet owners to maintain companion animal health responsibly.
Our team also partners with Greece’s first Animal Police Department and leads island-wide responsible pet ownership campaigns via TV, radio, outdoor media, influencers, and social media. Weekly field clinics in municipal buildings have received strong community engagement, and we plan to expand to more communities across Crete from 2026 to 2030.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our rotating field clinic team in Crete, Greece. This role supports our veterinarians in delivering high-quality spay/neuter services, community veterinary care, and responsible pet ownership education. This position is ideal for someone passionate about animal welfare, eager to build hands on clinical skills, and excited to form a strong, collaborative team with our veterinarians in a unique field-clinic setting that blends public health, welfare, and community service.
Location: This role requires relocation to Crete, Greece.
Language: Greek and English is mandatory.
Key Responsibilities
Support veterinarians during spay/neuter surgeries by preparing animals, maintaining sterile conditions, and assisting with surgical flow.
Provide pre-operative and post-operative support, monitoring animals’ recovery under veterinary guidance.
Perform microchipping under supervision and assist with completing pet registration documentation.
Collect blood samples for DNA testing following established protocols and collaborate with the administrative team to ensure accurate sample labelling, storage, and documentation.
Work as part of a tight-knit veterinarian–vet assistant team, ensuring smooth workflow and excellent care quality in a mobile/rotating clinic environment.
Communicate with pet owners about responsible ownership, post-operative care, and preventive health.
In collaboration with administrative team, assist with data entry, record-keeping, and clinic logistics.
Help maintain medical supplies, cleanliness, and equipment readiness in all field clinic locations.
Contribute to Zero Stray Pawject’s broader mission of reducing pet overproduction, improving welfare, and promoting responsible pet ownership across Crete.
Qualifications
Certification, diploma, or proven experience as a Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician, or similar animal-care role.
Strong animal-handling skills and comfort working in a busy field-clinic environment.
Ability to work closely and collaboratively as part of a vet–assistant team.
Willingness to learn clinical procedures, including anaesthesia monitoring, microchipping, and blood collection for DNA sampling.
Strong commitment to animal welfare, community service, and public health.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Flexibility to travel across Crete for rotating clinics.
Reliable, resilient, and compassionate—this work occurs in field-clinic conditions and requires dedication to both people and animals.
Must have EU work permit.
What We Offer
Fully sponsored advanced surgical training with one of Greece’s top veterinarians.
Includes a free 3–6 month hands-on training program with one of our partner veterinarians, one of the leading veterinary surgeons in Greece.
Training covers field-clinic workflows, anaesthesia monitoring, animal handling, microchipping, DNA sample collection, and best practices for high-volume spay/neuter programs.
You will acquire highly practical skills used in fast-paced, community-focused veterinary work and gain exposure to international veterinary experts in Europe.
Continued skill development and mentorship from international veterinary experts.
A supportive, mission-driven work environment where your contributions directly impact communities.
Opportunities to work with municipalities, law enforcement, and public health partners.
The chance to play a meaningful role in a pioneering public-health–driven animal welfare program.
Competitive contractor fee (EUR 21,600 – EUR 24,000 / year), well above the Greek national average.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter in English outlining your motivation for applying to info@zerostraypawject.org.