Veterinary Technician - Shelter

Job Title:​ Shelter Veterinary Technician

Classification:​ Non-Exempt

Reports to:​ Shelter Manager, Veterinarian

Primary Function:​ Responsible for all aspects of medical care for all animals in our shelter programs as well as rotating in our veterinary clinic. This includes but is not limited to administering medication, updating monthly prevention, daily rounds with the Shelter Manager and Veterinarian, appropriate documentation of anything done medically, assisting in surgery/procedures, and education of staff in proper medical procedures. Assists with foster and intake procedures when time allows. Provides counseling to adopters on medical needs of animals as necessary and at the guidance of the veterinarian.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administering necessary daily treatments and medications for shelter animals, adherence to cleaning protocols, medical protocols and procedures for disease prevention/control
• Lead daily rounds to ensure well-being of all animals (medically and behaviorally), type and send out Rounds notes to appropriate staff
• Assisting Veterinarian in any medical needs. For example: anesthetizing/sedating animals, intubation, placing intravenous catheters, drawing blood to send to external lab, etc.
• Maintain monthly medical prevention daily to ensure all animals are up to date on necessary vaccines and heartworm/flea prevention in the shelter
• Update animal medical information and maintain individual animal records through database system and internal shelter paperwork while coordinating with the Medical Data Entry Clerk.
• Follow Veterinarians orders for treatments, medications, special diet needs and monitoring any animal as needed
• Communicate effectively with all staff on special needs of animals in shelter; special diet, exercise restrictions, monitoring eating, defecation, urination, scheduled surgery, etc.
• Assist in staff training on medicating, treating, proper animal handling & restraint and recognition of common diseases and medical issues with shelter animals
• (As necessary) Assist Intake Operations with exams, inoculations, blood testing and health and behavior assessments at time of intake including owner surrender and transports
• (As necessary) Assist Foster Coordinator with recheck exams and inoculations of all animals in foster care as well as support for scheduled outside veterinary care and transportation
• Work during Pet Helpers Vaccine clinics
• Rotation in veterinary clinic to assist in surgery and other clinic procedures:

o Monitor patients under anesthesia

o Monitor patients recovering from surgery

o Administer vaccines and microchips

o Perform venipuncture and diagnostic laboratory tests, such as heartworm tests and combination tests

o Clean laundry, wash surgery instruments and keep treatment area clean

o Assemble surgical packs

o Assist veterinarian in examining, handling, and treating patients

o Administer first aid treatments and medications to sick and injured animals as directed by the veterinarian, as well as provide water and proper diet for all animals in veterinary care

o Handle all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion

o Clean cages and care for all animals housed in the clinic

o Monitor status of all patients and communicate changes in status to the veterinarians

Requirements:

• Veterinary Technician or equivalent shelter medical experience
• Knowledge of animal welfare laws, proper handling/restraint of animals and recognition of common diseases
• Ability to communicate well orally and in writing and to work harmoniously with a diverse group of individuals
• Familiar with all individual shelter protocols
• Willingness to learn and expand knowledge of shelter and veterinary technical practices. Desire to educate self with all updated and proper practices in regards to shelter medicine
• Experience with computer technology, including Pet Point, Excel, MS Word, database management, and the ability to learn new software as needed
• Possess a valid State of South Carolina driver’s license
• Commitment to the humane treatment of animals and general knowledge of shelter practices
• Excellent communication and customer service skills

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Veterinary Tech or equivalent shelter medical : 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20