Horse Handler - Recovery Focus - Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

PetVet Care Centers' Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is currently seeking a Horse Handler (Recovery Focus) to join their team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitalsand over11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Horse Handler who assists the patient with all aspects of medical care and barn tech duties.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky, is an internationally recognized leader in equine medicine, combining cutting-edge technology with a collaborative team dedicated to advancing equine health and performance.

Primary role and dutiesinclude,but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with induction and recovery of patients in preparation for and following surgery.

• Hold/restrain horses for pre-operative and post-operative examinations (i.e. x-rays, treatments, bone scans, euthanasia, emergency surgeries, etc.)

• Assist other personnel i.e., technicians as needed with patient handling.

• Assist with Trailer Loading and unloading of patients.

• Assist with some animal care, such as:

• Groom patients as needed and all horses prior to being discharged.

• Administer proper application of ice boots to patients.

• Maintain appropriate stock of feed, hay and straw.

• Administer proper hygienic patient care such as:

• Follow disinfecting and all other infectious disease procedures as defined by the Hagyard Infectious Disease Protocol.

• Washing feed tubs/water buckets

• Cleaning/re-bedding stalls.

• Keep shed rows/parking lots swept and clear of debris.

• Running laundry as needed

• Other projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications (Required)

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
• Comfortability and previous experience holding and restraining horses

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Veterinary medicine experience preferred, but not required
• Experience with young, performance, and thoroughbred horses

Schedule

• Day shift, likely Monday-Friday, approximately 7am-4pm
• Overtime may be needed during busy days and may need weekend availability

What We Offer We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$16 — $16 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care— for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. Withmore than 400 hospitals across the U.S.and a team of over11,000 dedicated professionals, including1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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