Clinic Veterinary Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview:

The purpose of the Clinic Veterinary Technician is to; help provide medical services to community animals; assist with examinations, vaccinations, testing and other preventive medical care to patients; to assist the veterinarian examine and provide treatment for animals that have been scheduled for health issues or injuries; assist the surgery technicians when needed; medicate and provide prescribed treatments for shelter animals that are in the clinic and the service center; assist clients; enter medical data into AviMark; work as a team to ensure the clinic and surgery services are performed efficiently and professionally. Always perform your duties in a professional and respectful manner to ensure that a positive image of the Houston Humane Society is maintained

Principal Duties and Responsibilities :

• Set up the examination area and the examination rooms for the day.
• Set up the cart so that supplies are easily accessed when needed.
• Pull vaccinations e.g. Rabies, and fill enough syringes for the day.
• See patients in order of arrival and appointment.
• Document weight and temperature.
• Assist the veterinarian with the examination of the animal.
• Perform services requested by client.
• Perform any tests requested by the client.
• Ensure that all medical services, diagnosis, needed treatments are correctly entered into AviMark.
• Speak with the client about the services that were performed, any test results and instructions from the veterinarian.
• Answer any questions the client may have or refer questions to the veterinarian.
• Make sure the exam table is cleaned in between each animal. Sweep the floor and make sure the area or room is cleaned before the next animal is brought in.
• After the clinic is closed, make sure all animals needing medical care in the clinic and service area, are medicated.
• Record medication and date on the Medical Records.
• Check with the veterinarian if any animal is not responding to the medication or health is not improving.
• If the veterinarian is gone for the day, make sure the animal is examined the next day.
• If the animal is in critical condition and may not make it through the night, notify a manager to determine if the animal should be euthanized.
• At the end of the day, clean the examination area and rooms. Make sure the tables, counters, floor, equipment, supplies are cleaned.
• Ensure that all supplies and equipment are stored in the appropriate places.
• Ensure that all medications, vaccinations, tests, products, and drugs are secured.
• Assist in other areas of the shelter as needed (surgery, intake) to help streamline the process and improve animal welfare.

Euthanasia responsibilities:

• Make sure the information required is entered correctly onto the paperwork – weight of animal, number of cc’s used, initials of euthanasia technician, bottle number, reason for euthanasia and any other information required.
• Place the paperwork in the correct location to be picked up by the Intake Coordinator.
• Ensure the table and room is clean.
• Ensure the drugs, syringes and other supplies are stored in the appropriate areas and secured.

BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE DAY IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL CLINIC TECHNICANS TO CHECK ON THE ANIMALS. NO ANIMAL SHOULD BE LEFT WITHOUT A FINAL CHECK FOR THE NIGHT.

• Make sure dogs are not laying in urine or feces. Remove the top layer of newspaper if needed.
• Make sure all animals have water.
• Make sure all animal have received their medications and treatment.
• Make sure there is paperwork on every cage with an animal.

The Clinic Technician is responsible for any additional duties which may arise throughout the day to ensure efficient operation of the clinic and that the needs of the animals and clients are met

Qualifications & Skills:

• Must have a High School Education or GED with a Veterinary Assistant (or higher) Certification. A minimum of one year on the job training in a veterinary clinic environment and performing veterinary technician responsibilities can be considered.
• Fluently speak, read and write English with some basic computer entry skills required.
• Able to perform the necessary medical tasks required to work as a technician in the clinic. This includes, but not limited to; examine and assess an animal’s health; perform blood draws; read heartworm and other tests; administer vaccinations; prepare medications prescribed by the veterinarian; communicate with clients about their pet’s health and any instructions they need to be aware of.
• Able to assist other technicians and veterinarians when needed.
• Able to safely restrain animals during examinations and medical procedures. Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 30 lbs without assistance.
• Able to endure long hours of standing and walking on hard surfaces; extended periods of bending and lifting.
• Able to work and handle stress in noisy, fast paced conditions.
• Commitment to the values and goals of the Houston Humane Society.
• Proficient in managing multiple tasks, organizing data, and keeping detailed records, with strong time management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for effective report preparation, correspondence, and engagement with both staff and the public.
• Maintains a constructive outlook, managing multiple responsibilities in a busy setting.
• Strict protection of organizational information, ensuring privacy in all internal communications.
• Demonstrated ability to swiftly address issues and proactively engage in projects and tasks.
• Ability to collaborate effectively, supporting co-workers and contributing to a team-oriented environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, ready to adjust to changes in priorities and job duties in a dynamic setting
• Professional representation of the Houston Humane Society in all dealings with the public, partners, and within the organization.
• Willing to handle sick, diseased, aggressive and fearful animals in a safe and humane manner.
• Support the mission and purpose of the Houston Humane Society Clinic which is to provide affordable medical services to the animals in our community and to maintain our image as a professional and caring organization.