Veterinary Technician / Veterinary Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Are you passionate about animal welfare and thrive in a fast-paced, shelter medicine environment? Ruff Start Rescue is seeking a compassionate and skilled technician to join our dedicated team!

In this role, you’ll provide exams, patient care, and surgical support for animals in the rescue’s care. You’ll collaborate closely with a supportive team of veterinary professionals to carry out treatment plans, monitor recovery, and ensure every animal receives the highest standard of care on their journey to a better life.

This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a real impact every day alongside a team that shares your commitment to saving lives, one animal at a time.

Ruff Start Rescue is seeking a veterinary team member to join our clinic operations. Depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate, this position may be filled at either the Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician level. Compensation, responsibilities, and expectations will align with the level at which the candidate is hired.

Availability: Monday through Friday, 7 am-5 pm (times and days may vary due to workload). The ability and willingness to accommodate a flexible schedule are key.

Essential Job Functions:

• Evaluate and examine incoming patients.

• Complete medical and surgical procedures in a competent, safe, and efficient manner

• Performs common in-house laboratory diagnostics

• Enter the required data into the medical records.

• Support daily flow, including setup, check-in, recovery, discharge, and cleanup.

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to ensure that animals receive proper care and necessary treatments to prepare them for adoption.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Licensed Veterinary Technician preferred, with demonstrated experience in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and shelter medicine environments.

• Preferred candidates must have at least 1 year of experience in anesthesiology and surgery.

• The ability to lift 50 lbs and be physically able to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, and climb steps.

• A strong understanding of animal body language and behavioral cues facilitates calm and safe interactions.

• Ability to accurately evaluate the health and condition of animals while providing safe restraint.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• The right candidate will be self-motivated, able to work independently, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.

Personal Characteristics:

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and discretion. Skilled at handling sensitive and confidential situations.

• Strong interpersonal skills - outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with a variety of people.

• Ability to show compassion and empathize with the foster families and peers.

• Work as a team player, supporting the organization's overall goals.

• Possibility-driven, proactive, personable, energetic, collaborative, and tactful.

• Brings a strong drive for results while maintaining a calm approach to managing change and working through unexpected or challenging situations.

• Well organized.

Benefits:

Health & Insurance

• Health insurance is available on the 1st of the month after 30 days; RSR covers 50% of the employee's premium.

• Optional insurance plans available after 90 days (employee-paid at discounted group rates), including:

• Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

• Short-Term Disability

• Accident, Critical Illness, Cancer, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Retirement & Time Off

• 401(k) plan with up to 3% match after 90 days.

• Paid Time Off (PTO):

• Year 1: 10 days

• Years 2–3: 15 days

• Years 4–5: 20 days

• Years 6–7: 25 days

• Year 8+: 30 days (PTO is prorated from the anniversary date upon moving into a new bracket)

• 7 paid holidays annually; observed on the closest workday if falling on a weekend.

• Paid parental leave

Professional Development & Perks

• Up to $200 annually for professional development.

• Employee discount on Ruff Start Rescue merchandise and services.

Salary: $20-$25/hr

Reports to: Practice Manager

Applicants, please note: When applying, include a cover letter and resume