TGR Vet Tech/Animal Care Specialist Job Description
Veterinary Technician / Animal Care Specialist
The Goathouse Refuge, Inc. – Pittsboro, NC
Pay: $17–$21 per hour, depending on experience and credentials
Status: Full-time, non-exempt
Housing: Possible on-site live-in arrangement for qualified candidate
Reports to: Refuge Director
Position Summary
The Goathouse Refuge is seeking a compassionate and skilled veterinary technician/animal care specialist to provide hands-on medical care and daily husbandry for cats and dogs in a sanctuary environment. This role combines veterinary technical skills with animal care responsibilities, ensuring the health, comfort, and well-being of all animals under the Refuge's care.
Essential Responsibilities
Medical Care & Veterinary Support
Conduct daily health assessments and monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, or distress; report concerns promptly to Refuge Director and veterinarian.
Transport animals to receive care after seeking instructions and approval by Refuge Director Administer medications, vaccines, treatments, and preventative care as prescribed by veterinarian, following Refuge protocols.
Collect samples for testing and prepare samples for outside labs.
Maintain accurate medical records, treatment logs, and controlled substance documentation for all animals in care.
Perform physical exams and restraint using low-stress, fear-free handling techniques appropriate to each species.
Manage wound care, including cleaning, bandaging, and monitoring healing progress.
Perform ear cleanings, grooming and other routine care procedures.
Respond to emergency situations and provide triage care as needed.
Animal Husbandry & Daily Care
Monitor food intake, water consumption, elimination, and behavior, document changes and concerns.
Bathe and groom animals as needed to maintain hygiene and comfort.
Assist with animal intake, including initial health checks, parasite screening, vaccination, and
documentation.
Handle animals of various sizes, temperaments, and species safely and humanely, including fearful or reactive individuals.
Communication & Collaboration
Communicate animal health status, treatment plans, and behavioral observations clearly and promptly to Refuge Director first then to veterinarian and staff.
Advise and educate adopters, volunteers, and visitors about animal health history, care needs, medications, and follow-up care.
Maintain organized medical supply inventory; order supplies and medications as needed.
Participate in team meetings, training, and continuing education opportunities.
Facility Support
Maintain cleanliness and organization of medical areas, treatment rooms, isolation spaces, and storage areas.
Properly dispose of medical waste, sharps, and biohazards according to safety regulations.
Qualifications
Required
High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience as a veterinary technician
Current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) credential preferred, OR significant hands-on experience administering veterinary care and medications to multiple species. On the job training is available.
Comfort with handling and medicating cats and dogs.
Knowledge of animal anatomy, common illnesses, animal medications (what they are used for and why), and basic veterinary procedures preferred.
Commitment to low-stress, fear-free, and compassionate handling of animals in Refuge and sanctuary settings.
Strong observational skills and ability to recognize signs of illness, injury, pain, or behavioral distress.
Ability to lift and restrain animals up to 50 pounds and work on feet for extended periods.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians, staff, volunteers, and the public. Ability to communicate with all, Director, coworkers and staff is very important.
Preferred
Veterinary technician experience in an animal shelter, rescue, sanctuary, or mixed-animal practice.
Experience with wound management and species-specific handling.
Knowledge of shelter medicine protocols, disease prevention, and population management.
CPR and first aid certification for animals.
Work Schedule and Conditions
Full-time schedule with some weekends and holidays required based on animal care needs.
Work is performed in kennels, cat rooms, treatment rooms, and outdoor areas with exposure to animal dander, parasites, cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, bodily fluids, and waste.
Subject to animal bites, scratches, and physical demands of restraining animals of various sizes and temperaments.
Must be able to work in varying temperatures and weather conditions when caring for outdoor animals.
Live-in Option
For the right candidate, The Goathouse Refuge may offer an on-site or adjacent live-in housing arrangement, subject to availability and a separate written agreement. This arrangement may include additional responsibilities related to after-hours monitoring, emergency response, and animal care coverage.
How to Apply
Please send your resume, cover letter describing your veterinary and animal care experience, and references to:
[email protected] and [email protected]
Background Check
Employment at The Goathouse Refuge is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Goathouse Refuge, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and we are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
