Veterinary Technician/Veterinary Assistant

Job Title: Veterinary Technician/Veterinary Assistant

Reports To: Head Vet Tech, Veterinarian

The Friendship Animal Protective League is currently looking for a veterinary technician/veterinary assistant to join our Team. The Veterinary Assistant supports and assists the veterinarian and veterinary technicians, and ensures the continuity of quality veterinary care. The ideal candidate would be able to perform routine labs, draw blood, triage/discharge of patients, and effectively restrain both dogs and cats. They also would assist the doctor with surgery, medicine, and outpatient care as needed. Our ideal candidate will be dynamic, efficient, cooperative, and have a well-rounded background in shelter medicine, veterinary medicine, and spay/neuter. The candidate should be a good people person and be able to communicate with compassion and empathy. Must be hard-working, compassionate, have an interest in working with both shelter and public pets, and thrive in a fast-paced, teamwork-based environment.

Salary: $18.00 to $22.00/hour based on experience.

Duties would include but are not limited to:

· Assist veterinarians in providing medical care to animals

· Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures; remaining calm and compassionate with animal, not reacting to fear and/or pain; keeping the patient, themselves, and other doctors or team members safe

· Providing care of hospitalized patients with exceptional patient care, focusing on details, and using critical thinking

· Safely and competently operate equipment pertinent to carrying out duties including, but not limited to, laboratory equipment, and intra-office technologies.

· Clean, freshen, and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, and labs throughout the day to control the spread of disease.

· Client communication including but not limited to; answering medication/treatment plan questions, relaying messages from the veterinarian or licensed technician, reviewing go home care instructions, obtaining accurate patient history, and more.

· Be knowledgeable of and complete daily activities including:

- Draw up and administer medications and treatments to animals as directed by veterinarians

- Triaging cases to expedite visits by obtaining a brief, but thorough history and vitals

- Aide technicians and doctors with surgical procedures by setting up and maintaining sterile surgical areas, and assisting in the procedures.

- Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.

- Contribute to team health and engagement by being supportive, assisting with new hire training and attending and contributing to team meetings.

- Perform various laboratory tests and procedures

- Clean and sterilize equipment and instruments

- Maintain accurate records of patient care and treatment

QUALIFICATIONS:

· High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree in veterinary technology preferred

· Certification as a veterinary technician (CVT) or licensed veterinary technician (LVT) is a plus

· Prior experience working in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic or animal hospital is required.

· Strong knowledge of animal care, including pet care, animal handling, animal restraint, and animal husbandry

· Proficiency in performing animal catheterization, administering medications, and using aseptic techniques

· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

· Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously

· Must possess an Ohio driver’s license with an insurable driving record

· Familiarity with animals, knowledge of animal behavior, breeds, and demonstrated experience handling a variety of companion animals. Proficiency in safe cat, dog, and small animal handling techniques is required.

· Must receive Euthanasia Certification within 6 months of accepting position

· Must possess database management skills and ability to use Microsoft Office. Knowledge of PetPoint a plus

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned as needed.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

· The noise level in the work environment is moderately high.

· Requires sufficient ambulatory skills in order to perform duties while at hospital.

· Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as well as manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.

· Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard and operate equipment.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Associate is routinely exposed to a variety of pets that may bite or scratch, and on occasion, exposed to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards and medication/controlled substances.

MUST BE ABLE TO WORK EVENINGS AND SATURDAYS. SCHEDULE IS MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 10:30AM-7PM.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $22