Description

Job Summary:

The Veterinary Technician plays a critical role in the medical care of the animals at PAWS Chicago. They work closely with the Shelter Medicine Veterinarians to ensure that each animal receives the highest quality of care. Our Veterinary Technicians are given the opportunity for skill development and continuing education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides technical assistance to shelter veterinarians and communicates changes in patient condition, results of diagnostic tests and procedures, and treatment questions
• Provides quality care to pets of all life stages from neonates to seniors including emergency and intensive care as required
• Evaluates animals for disease, injuries, parasites and other possible health concerns and reports to Shelter Veterinarians
• Collects samples for and conducts laboratory tests; including fecal examinations and use of in house IDEXX blood machines, records test results as directed
• Assists Shelter Veterinarians in medical exams; involves but is not limited to restraint, microchipping, blood draws, and vaccinations
• Vaccinates and administers preventatives on intake and as needed
• Prepares medication and administers treatments as prescribed
• Places and maintains IV catheters
• Performs digital radiographs
• Maintains a disease-free or contained environment to ensure the health of the whole population
• Operates a computer, basic office equipment, medical equipment and instruments, laboratory equipment and diagnostic instruments, etc. and exercises care and safety in the use and maintenance of the equipment
• Helps to ensure that medical records are complete and accurate
• Acts as a mentor for externs and proactively utilizes volunteers
• Performs quality control of shelter technical services such as disinfection procedures, in-house diagnostic equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Passion for animals and animal welfare
• Medical knowledge including nursing care, disease symptoms and transmission, animal restraint, blood draws, IV catheter placement, and treatment administration
• Knowledge of prescription medications, procedures and processes
• Previous technician experience preferred
• Ability to be flexible, work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, and work in a fast paced, dynamic, collaborative team environment
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

PAWS Chicago Values-in-Action

1. Respect: for each and every life.
2. Community: of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.
3. Innovation: to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.
4. Pro-activity: to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.
5. Transparency: that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.
6. Education: that raises awareness about the realities that homeless animals face in the community and across the nations, providing a forum for people to get involved in effecting change. Promotes and support reasonable pet ownership.
7. Sustainability: through financial management practices that maximize the impact and reach of our resources and endure that PAWS Chicago will always be a resource for homeless animals.
8. Compassion: towards all people and animals.