The Veterinary Technician will work under the direction of the Animal Services Veterinarian or designee in all phases of shelter veterinary care, including, but not limited to, animal "well-check" examinations, prescribed treatments, euthanasia, surgery assistance, vaccination, creation and maintenance of paper and computer records, and effectively communicating with Animal Services staff and the public. The Veterinary Technician must operate in a team-managed environment, and must be able to take an active role in the team process by providing support and appropriate feedback to other intake staff members.
Veterinary Technicians must function within the legal limitations of the Washington State Veterinary Practice Act. The duties are performed under the general supervision of the Animal Services Veterinarian or designee, who may review the work performed by observation, direct inspection of facilities, and conferences with employees.
- Act as a sterile or non-sterile assistant to the Veterinarian in surgery, and be familiar with surgical equipment and techniques as appropriate.
- Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments and materials to the Animal Services Veterinarian during surgical procedures.
- Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures, treatment, and euthanasia procedures.
- Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments and equipment.
- Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor their effects on animals.
- Provide routine post-operative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of the Animal Services Veterinarian or designee.
- Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify the Animal Services Veterinarian or designee of any unusual changes or symptoms.
- Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.
- Chart medical records according to practice protocol using correct medical terminology and abbreviations.
- Assist Animal Services Veterinarian or designee in examining animals to determine the nature and extent of illnesses or injuries, behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
- Observe and record behavior. Isolate sick animals as required.
- Perform hygiene-related duties such as clipping animals' coats, clipping animals' claws and dental cleanings. Dust, spray, or bathe animals for flea control.
- Move animals among various areas within shelter facilities as required.
- Support medical inventory of medications and supplies.
- Perform other related duties as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:- Current Washington State Veterinary Technician License at the time of hire.
Lift and handle objects and animals weighing up to sixty (60) pounds; ability to restrain and handle animals up to 150 pounds. Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; feel the size, shape, and temperature of items; and operate computers, copy machines, and fax machines.
Handle unruly, aggressive, and otherwise dangerous animals safely and humanely.
Must be able and willing to work shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to respond to off-hour call outs.
