Position Summary: The Veterinary Technician is responsible for assisting the Veterinarian with medical care for all animals entering and exiting the shelter. He or She is also responsible for evaluating animals upon intake into our adoption program, assessing the behavior of incoming animals to determine adoptability, and providing exemplary customer service to the public to offer resources for pet retention. Responsibilities include providing medical care to shelter animals, administering exams and vaccinations to all incoming animals, evaluating and processing animals for adoption, foster, rescue and redemption, medicating shelter animals, humane euthanasia, customer service and education, shelter sanitation, and data entry. The Veterinary Technician demonstrates excellent customer service skills while interacting with the public and fosters and works with a non-judgmental approach to a diverse range of pet owners and fosters while ensuring the best possible customer service.
Employees in this position are required to receive a pre-exposure rabies vaccination upon employment and receive boosters as required thereafter. A typical work week may include weekends and holidays.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for animal intake procedures including ensuring physical exams, evaluations, scanning for identification, vaccinations, and medications that are done on all shelter animals in a timely manner
- Responsible for setting up animals in appropriate housing with proper supplies, food, litter, water, enrichment, and signage
- Works closely with Veterinarian to ensure that all animals are receiving proper medical care and are housed and cared for humanely
- Responsible for providing necessary procedures for rehoming animals such as booster vaccinations, performing blood draws, and microchipping
- Responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment, clean cages, floors, intake areas, etc. in accordance with protocols
- Performs humane euthanasia on animals in accordance with established policies and procedures set by the Veterinary Medical Director
- Responsible for properly administering and tracking controlled substances and maintaining drug logs in accordance with veterinary and state laws
- Assists with preparation of lab samples as necessary
- Responsible for clear and accurate data entry and signage for proper communication about all shelter animals
- Responsible for effective communication of shelter policies, practices, and procedures to employees, volunteers, and the general public
- Provides customer service and education with regards to medical care for pets
- Handles all scheduled appointments for relinquishment and public walk-ins as necessary
- Provides exceptional customer service for customers needing to relinquish an animal and provides resources to help with pet retention when possible in order to provide the best possible outcome for every animal
- Responsible for positive and open communication with pet owners about their concerns and coordinates exchange of information on behavioral and medical issues with the goal of increasing pet retention and/or gathering detailed information to assist with rehoming animal
- Carry out duties and job assignments as delegated by the appropriate supervisor, manager, or director
Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a GED Certificate.
- Registered Veterinary Technician preferred, but not required if prior related work experience
- Minimum of two years of experience with animal handling in a veterinary hospital, animal clinic, boarding facility, animal control, shelter or related facility
- Must be comfortable with, and demonstrate, the ability to handle dogs and cats and animals that are sick, injured, frightened and potentially fractious
- Must demonstrate the ability to administer medications, perform blood draws, and provide medical treatments
- Must demonstrate being efficient and effective in math, writing, and data entry
- Certified in humane euthanasia preferred but can be trained on site
- Ability to modify work schedule to meet BARCS operational needs
Knowledge and Skills:
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and contribute to a positive working environment
- Ability to follow both written and verbal directions concerning the care and handling and disposition of animals
- Ability to work both independently as well as with a team
- Ability to assess, detect and recognize animal behavior and health that is potentially dangerous for both humans and/or animals
- Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people
- Must be detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively
- Experience in animal handling, providing care, and grooming
- Committed to maintaining the BARCS high standard of animal care and mission
Work Conditions:
Work is performed in an animal shelter that operates seven days a week, with exposure to conditions such as dust, wetness, odors, high noise levels, etc. Work requires physical exertion such as, but not limited to, standing most of the day, bending often to interact with animals, lifting animals of all shapes and sizes with an average weight of 50 pounds, lifting bags of litter and food, etc. There is exposure to animals of all kinds including domestic, wildlife, and farm animals. There is potential exposure to: sharp objects, cleaning agents, animal waste, zoonotic diseases, dangerous or fractious animals, and potentially hazardous conditions including the risk of animal scratches and bites. There is also exposure to friendly, loving animals in need of your affection.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
