Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician

Responsible for performance of all functions of a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) according to State of Nevada veterinary law. Provides compassionate and humane medical care to the animals in our care in accordance with protocols created by veterinarians at The Animal Foundation.

Assists the surgeon(s) with preoperative examinations. Conducts and monitors the flow of surgery and makes sure that employees and students are performing anesthetic monitoring, surgical prepping and recovering correctly. Assists in coordination of work assignments and daily flow of work within the shelter clinic or the Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic (LCSNC) to maximize efficiency when required.

Administers any controlled drugs/substances to animals daily in accordance with the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and the drug protocols of the Animal Foundation and all under supervision of a veterinarian. Records all and reconciles any controlled drugs/substances daily in accordance with the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and the drug protocols of the Animal Foundation and all under supervision of a veterinarian.

Induction, monitoring and maintaining stability of all patients undergoing anesthesia/surgery and under direction of a veterinarian. Assists a veterinarian with any emergencies that may arise during surgery and/or when an animal is being housed at the Animal Foundation.

Assists with surgical duties in a high volume, fast paced environment pursuant to Nevada State law, and under the supervision of a veterinarian. Preps animals for surgical procedures. Includes shaving hair from surgical sites, use of proper surgical scrub techniques and all in conjunction with monitoring animals while under anesthesia, etc. Monitors anesthesia while animals are having surgery/in surgery suite. Includes assisting surgeons with supply needs and opening surgical packs using aseptic technique, etc. Performs surgical recovery. Includes bringing animals body temperatures back to a proper temperature, cleans incision sites, places any needed e-collars, nail trims, etc. This may also include assistance in LCSNC that is open 3 days a week.

Required to intubate animals during surgical prepping and/or during emergency procedures. Required to microchip animals after proper training. Required to give rabies vaccines after proper training and under the supervision of a veterinarian. Provides routine medical testing and preventative care to animals as directed. This includes use of blood machine equipment and collection of samples, urinalysis sticks, microscopic work, infectious disease testing, other.

Administers and/or assists with administering prescribed medication(s) to animals in accordance with the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and Animal Foundation protocols. Sedating animals and recording drugs used for euthanasia, surgery and/or for examinations. May be required to euthanize an animal under supervision of a veterinarian.

Performs health screening exams for shelter animals that are eligible to go up for adoptions and addresses any medical alert cards that are located in the shelter. This includes opening Vet Checks in the Chameleon software program when an animal needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Completes physical exams, fills medications and completes vaccine administration with foster animals during scheduled appointments. Completes physical exams, fills medications and completes vaccine administration with paw partner animals during scheduled appointments for transfer to other facilities.

Applies bandages, completes wound cleanings/care, ear flushes and other needed treatments as needed and requested under the supervision of a veterinarian. Completes medicated baths and/or grooming animals when needed. Assists veterinarians and/or other staff members by providing safe and adequate restraint with animals during physical exams and medical procedures.

Ensures that all animals being housed in the bungalows appear healthy and addresses any medical alert cards. If a medical concern arises, the LVT can inform the shelter veterinarian on duty and will assist with any needed further exams/treatments/medication. Assists in the Animal Foundation's Low Cost Vaccine Clinic by administering vaccines, microchips and dewormer to publicly owned animals. Administers follow up vaccines/deworming on shelter animals that have been housed at the facility for two weeks or longer. Completes already altered animal treatments to assist with immediate adoption go homes. Rabies vaccine administration, implantation of microchips and any needed cat testing.

Enters the entirety and accurate medical information for all exams/treatments completed into the Chameleon software program for updated animal medical histories. Washes and dries surgical laundry, wraps surgical packs and autoclaves these packs for surgical sterility throughout the day. Ensures that all supplies are available and in adequate supply in all designated areas. This includes informing manager/supervisors of supplies needed. Receives supplies/inventory and distributes them to their designated areas. This includes organizing all inventory and informing manager/supervisors of any expired items.

Feeds and waters animals as directed, and supplies basic maintenance and animal husbandry for any animals housed in the medical clinic department. Helps prevent spread of disease by using proper cleaning protocols daily and/or up to several times throughout the day. Washes and dries kennel and surgical recovery laundry. Performs routine maintenance on medical equipment as needed. Provides information and assistance to internal and external customers as required. Completes surgical discharges of patients to their owners by providing detailed post-operative care instructions. This includes going over any waivers and/or medical history provided, microchip information, medications prescribed for patients, etc. Outcomes any animal that has left the clinic department into the Chameleon program. Sends appropriate emails to internal departments regarding discrepancies, concerns, questions, follow-ups, etc. Answers the clinic phone and/or checks voicemail messages throughout the day and makes follow-up calls when required. May be required to train new hires or volunteers. Wears company uniform and otherwise dresses appropriately and professionally to project a positive image to the public. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team. Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements: Equivalent to a degree as a veterinary technician from a college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or the appropriate agency in the state where the college is located. One (1) year of experience in a veterinary clinic, hospital or animal shelter.

License & Certification Requirements: Valid Nevada Veterinary Technician (VT) license. At the sole discretion of the The Animal Foundation, a valid Nevada Veterinary Technician in Training (VTIT) license may substitute for a VT license for a reasonable period of time. At its sole discretion, the Animal Foundation may defer license and certification requirements pending the employee's completion of training and testing. May be required to obtain euthanasia technician credentials from the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, and the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy within one year of request at employer expense; with continued employment contingent upon having such credentials.

Required Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of principles and practices of veterinary clinical care and associated sanitary practices. Preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic veterinary treatment of domestic animals. Animal breeds and characteristics. Animal health, nutrition, and humane care. Standard clinic practices and procedures, including record keeping systems and the operation of office equipment, computers, and associated software. Techniques for dealing effectively with co-workers and the public, in person and over the telephone. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation. Skill in performing veterinary clinical procedures. Working with animals and demonstrating concern for their welfare. Working with youth, schools, business, and community groups. Dealing tactfully and effectively with staff, volunteers and the general public. Identification of problems and/or patient conditions (medical and behavioral) that need to be brought to the attention of the immediate supervisor. Treating people and animals with respect. Fostering public relations beneficial to the shelter and its programs. Use of business software and associated computer hardware. Communicating effectively in oral and written forms. Working with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies. Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities. Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, instructions and other written materials.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Physical ability and mobility to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. Strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds frequently, 50 pounds occasionally. Vision to read printed materials. Stamina to sit and work with a computer for an extended period of time. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation. Team Members are continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, cleaning chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot temperatures. All employees work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Employees must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding customer service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy.