Pet Technician

Pet Technician

Under the supervision of the Safety, Facilities and Accessibility Director, the Pet Technician provides a range of veterinary services to shelter residents and their pets. This role is crucial in supporting the emotional and physical well-being of both residents and their animal companions, fostering a healthy and humane environment within the shelter.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct initial pet assessments: Evaluate resident pets' health, identify needs, and provide basic first aid.
• Provide pet care support: Offer medication assistance, nutrition guidance, and hygiene education to residents.
• Guide residents on responsible pet ownership: Advise on pet care in various housing situations (encampments, shelters, etc.).
• Coordinate veterinary care: Schedule appointments, transportation, and maintain accurate health records.
• Manage pet resources: Procure supplies, inventory medications, and build relationships with animal welfare organizations.
• Advocate for community resources: Identify and connect residents with low-cost vet care, food banks, and grooming services.
• Develop and implement policies: Work with designated program staff in the creation and implementation of pet-related policies, safety protocols, and disaster preparedness plans.
• Ensure program compliance: Maintain compliance with animal welfare regulations, conduct safety inspections, and participate in relevant trainings and events.
• Other duties as may arise to support the program.

Essential Duties

• Services for this position must be provided on-site. As a result, the position requires incumbents to report to work on-site each day of active employment.
• Conduct pet assessments
• Provide pet care support
• Educate residents on responsible pet ownership
• Coordinate veterinary care
• Manage pet resources
• Advocate for community resources
• Develop and implement policies
• Ensure program compliance
• Other duties as may arise to support the program

Mandated Reporter

As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters, and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
• Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduation from an accredited Veterinary Technician program or two years relevant pet care experience.
• Current California driver's license and clean driving record

Experience

• 2 years of experience in providing basic veterinary care to animals, including but not limited to:
• Physical examinations
• Vaccinations and deworming medication administration
• Minor wound care
• Demonstrated experience in client education on basic pet care, including nutrition, hygiene, and preventative measures.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness or facing other barriers.
• Experience with basic record-keeping and data entry related to animal health.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a mobile veterinary setting.
• Experience working with shelter animals or in a non-profit setting.
• Experience with behavior modification techniques for dogs and cats.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish)

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.