Veterinary Technician

Assists in all phases of shelter veterinary care; creates and maintains all records associated with animal medical care; maintains medical inventory of authorized animals; assists with daily shelter operations; and performs other duties as assigned or required.

Examples of Duties

Prepares surgical equipment and passes instruments/materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures. Acts as a sterile or non-sterile assistant to the veterinarian in surgery, and is familiar with surgical equipment and techniques as appropriate. Holds or restrains animals during veterinary procedures. Prepares examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies; cleans, maintains, and sterilizes surgical equipment and instruments. Administers and monitors anesthetics during surgery and recovery. Monitors animals recovering from surgery and notifies the veterinarian of any unusual changes or symptoms. Provides routine post-operative care, administers medications, and/or prepares samples for laboratory examination. Collects laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces for testing. Performs routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests such as, but not limited to taking and developing x-rays. Provides assistance with necropsies. Charts medical records according to practice protocol using correct medical terminology and abbreviations. Performs and supervises “well-check” examinations of intake animals. Assists veterinarian in examining animals to determine the nature and extent of illnesses or injuries, behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury. Observes and records behavior. Isolates sick animals as required. Performs hygiene-related duties such as clipping animals’ coats, claws and performs dental cleanings. Cleans and maintains all Animal Shelter facilities to control the spread of disease. Performs or assists in the euthanasia of animals, including transporting of animals to euthanasia area, restraint of animals during euthanasia, checking for vital signs subsequent to euthanasia, and removal of deceased animals to storage areas. Prepares food/special dietary requirements for animals. Respond to or re-direct public inquiries in person and by phone to provide assistance, direction, or explanation of shelter programs and/or policies. Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

Associate’s Degree in a field related to veterinary study; and two year’s experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License. Certification as a Texas Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) is preferred. Maintain possession of euthanasia certificate. Successful completion of TVMA’s CVA I test within one year of hire.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Exposure to noise, heat and cold, outdoor weather, and some work related chemicals is required. Work is performed primarily in a clinic/animal shelter and/or office environment under pressure and requires the ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and demands. Work may be performed both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions during both daylight and after dark. Frequent exposure to aggressive animals. Frequent exposure to hazards from sharps such as syringe needles, glass slides, and other materials. Frequent exposure to loud noises, parasites, infectious diseases, feces, urine, vomit, and blood, odors and various cleaning solutions and other potentially hazardous chemicals such as chemotherapeutic agents and inhaled anesthetics. Lift and handle objects and animals weighing up to sixty (60) pounds; ability to restrain and handle animals up to 100 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. Travel by various modes of private and commercial transportation within the region may be required.