Shelter Veterinary Technician

Animal Welfare Association

Job Description

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Job description:

Objective: Assists with all practices and procedures of medical and surgical support, preparation, monitoring, and release of animals. Assess and monitor overall health, provide initial and routine medications and vaccines. Determine basic animal information at time of intake and maintain standards and record-keeping as directed by the Shelter Veterinarian.

Essential Functions:

Adhere to agency SOPs to include standard best practices on safety and compliance
Keep all work areas, facilities, equipment, and animal cages clean and sanitized at all times
Receive animals upon drop-off for surgery, at time of Shelter intake, and fosters
Maintain proper animal identification
Check animals for illness, infestations, injuries, or abnormalities, and perform diagnostic tests as directed by the Veterinarian
Handle and restrain animals, including fractious and feral animals properly and safely
Inoculate, medicate, feed, and care for animals as indicated by the Veterinarian
Perform pre- and post-surgical related duties to include but not limited to, cleaning instruments, wrapping packs, and maintaining machines/equipment
Responsible for the efficient induction and prepping of animals for surgery, to include monitoring animals recovering from anesthesia
Perform post-surgical duties and check to ensure proper recovery of the animals
Dispense prescribed medications
Meet and talk with clients during admission, exams, vaccination clinics, foster rechecks, and surgical release, giving accurate and understandable instructions for post-surgical care and treatments as needed
Prepare and maintain accurate medical records through agency database systems to include controlled substance logs
Stock Shelter supplies and report re-stock needs and equipment failures to management
Assist in the training of new employees and volunteers
Work with and observe volunteers or students to ensure proper procedures are followed
Participate in euthanasia and disposal of animals as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Position Requirements:

Commitment to the humane treatment of animals
Ability to accept and explain the concepts of prepubescent sterilization, prerelease sterilization of adopted animals and humane euthanasia
Must recognize and be willing to gain additional working knowledge of normal and abnormal health and behavioral conditions of the patients, pre- and post-surgery
Knowledge of the diseases and disorders of animals, spay/neuter, related procedures, animal handling, and restraint
Familiarity with medical terminology and medical knowledge required
Mathematical skills for drug conversions and dosing
Knowledge of disinfecting procedures; antisepsis and asepsis
Ability to learn quickly and adapt to change
Maintain clean and professional appearance
Effective interpersonal and communication skills
Maintain a positive and respectful attitude
Ability to multi-task
Must be flexible and possess efficient time-management skills
Must be reliable and come to work prepared
Problem solving skills, ability to think outside the box
Access to reliable transportation
Qualifications:
High School graduate, Associate degree as Veterinary Technician preferred
1-2 years’ experience performing Veterinary Technician duties required
Physical Factors:
Exposure to animals such as cats, dogs, and exotics
Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases
Peanut butter is used extensively throughout the facility.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and over 50 lbs. with assistance
Long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions will be required
Benefits:

403(b)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

This is a full time job