Underwater Treadmill Assistant

Job Summary Aspire Veterinary Hospital is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Canine Fitness & Rehabilitation Assistant to join our growing team. This role is designed for individuals who have entry-level experience in a veterinary or fitness environment, a background in animal behavior or training, and a passion for fitness and exercise. The Canine Fitness & Rehabilitation Assistant will focus primarily on supporting our underwater treadmill program, which plays a key role in the recovery, conditioning, and performance of both companion pets and working K9s. This is a unique opportunity for candidates who are looking to build a career in veterinary rehabilitation or animal fitness. This position will work closely with our veterinary team to ensure smooth operation of hydrotherapy sessions while upholding the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and patient comfort. Key Responsibilities Underwater Treadmill Operation & Patient Handling Assist with the setup and operation of two H20 Oasis Pro underwater treadmills within the dedicated aquatics room of our hospital Cleaning, Maintenance & Safety Protocols Adhere to strict cleaning and disinfection protocols before and after each session Perform daily maintenance checks and weekly deep cleans of treadmill equipment to ensure proper functionality of all components Document all maintenance and cleaning activities in accordance with hospital SOPs Uphold Fear Free handling techniques to minimize patient stress during sessions Client Interaction & Education Greet and guide clients through the underwater treadmill process Provide clear post-session feedback on performance and behavior Support client education by answering basic questions about physical conditioning and hydrotherapy benefits Relay patient updates or concerns to the veterinary team for follow-up communication Administrative Support Schedule and confirm appointments in the hospital’s PIMS system (EzyVet) Assist in entering session notes and session details into patient records Help prepare handouts, wellness packets, and educational material as needed Handle, guide, and support patients in and out of the treadmill safely Monitor animal behavior and comfort during conditioning sessions Record session details and patient responses for follow-up care and planning Communicate effectively with the veterinary team and client/trainer about observations and patient status Who Should Apply Have a background or strong interest in animal fitness, rehabilitation, and/or training Have worked in a veterinary setting or animal care facility (grooming, daycare, shelter, dog training, aquatic center, etc.) Are comfortable with physical tasks like lifting dogs, handling wet equipment, and cleaning Desire to pursue future credentials such as CCAT, CCRP, or animal training certifications Are observant, hands-on learners who thrive in an active and animal-focused environment Preferred Qualifications Entry-level experience in a veterinary hospital, rehab facility, or canine aquatic center Education in canine training or fitness/conditioning Experience handling dogs of varying sizes and temperaments Familiarity with cleanliness protocols, PPE, and safe restraint techniques Prior exposure to fitness instruction, physical therapy, or similar fields Strong communication skills and a calm, positive demeanor Growth Opportunities As a member of Aspire’s care team, you’ll receive: Structured onboarding Continued training and mentorship Career path development toward Level II or Credentialed (ex: CCAT/CCRP) position focused on canine fitness, training, working dog care, and client education Exposure to specialized care (aquatic and land oriented rehabilitation & fitness, working K9s) within a collaborative and upbeat veterinary hospital setting Schedule & Benefits Full-Time; 36–40 hrs/wk Hospital Hours: M–F 8am–6pm, Saturdays 9am–1pm Flexible Weekly Schedule + Consistent Saturday coverage Competitive pay based on experience Health benefits, 401k matching, and paid time off available for full-time employees Veterinary care and product discounts for employee pets Located in a rapidly growing and pet-loving community in Montgomery County, MD Job Type: Full-time Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person