Animal Health Technician (Veterinary Technician), Austin Animal Services (Vet Services)

Animal Health Technician

Under general supervision of veterinarians, this position provides medical care and treatment to animals at a high-capacity animal shelter. This includes routine, preventative, and emergency care of sheltered animals, as well as providing support functions to veterinarians during surgical procedures.

• Monitors the health and welfare of animals within the shelter and provides medical care under the direction of staff veterinarians; to include performing physical examinations, vaccinations, in-house laboratory tests, collecting specimens, and performing diagnostics to determine and evaluate the health condition of animals at the time of impound or prior to adoption or surgery.

• Assists veterinarians in surgery to include preparing and administering pre-anesthetics and induction agents, monitoring the animal during surgery, and providing post-operative care.

• Assists in the euthanasia of animals identified by veterinarians or shelter management with understanding and compassion for the animal.

• Assists veterinarians with emergency care and treatment in life-threatening situations. Implants microchips in sheltered animals. Prepares, transports, and documents specimens for rabies testing, and reports results.

• Maintains accurate and relevant written and electronic records of medical treatments, care provided, and physical condition of animals, including those of unknown health and temperament.

• Assists other staff with animals; contributes to the programs and services that support the shelter's live outcome goal.

• Attends training.

Minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of work experience, including six (6) months of experience in a field related to the job.

Licenses and certifications required:

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated basic knowledge of vaccinations for both cats and dogs.

• Demonstrated knowledge and surgical experience with inducing, intubating, monitoring, and recovering a patient who underwent anesthesia.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with positioning animals for radiology.

• Demonstrated experience handling/restraining dogs over 50 lbs.

• Demonstrated experience drawing blood, placing IV catheters, and managing IV medications and IV fluids.

• Licensed veterinarian technician or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.