Veterinary Surgical Prep Technician

Brief Description
Since 2000, the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic at PAWS Chicago has provided accessible, high-quality spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and wellness care to the community. Every day, our team plays a vital role in reducing pet overpopulation and preventing animals from experiencing homelessness.

Brief Description
Since 2000, the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic at PAWS Chicago has provided accessible, high-quality spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and wellness care to the community. Every day, our team plays a vital role in reducing pet overpopulation and preventing animals from experiencing homelessness. We’re looking for an experienced Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) to join our fast-paced surgical team. As a Surgical Prep Technician
, you’ll work closely with veterinarians and fellow technicians to safely prepare, anesthetize, monitor, and care for patients throughout their surgical experience. This is a hands‑on role for a confident, compassionate veterinary professional who thrives in a busy environment, stays calm under pressure, and is passionate about making high‑quality veterinary care more accessible to the Chicago community.
Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery, including calculating, drawing up, and administering medications; shaving and prepping surgical sites; intubating; drawing blood; and placing IV catheters as directed by the veterinarian.
• Monitor patients under anesthesia and recognize and respond appropriately to abnormal conditions.
• Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures while maintaining strict sterile technique.
• Support patients through recovery and provide attentive post‑operative care.
• Administer vaccines and dispense medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Intake and release surgical patients while providing professional, compassionate client service.
• Respond effectively during emergencies, following veterinary direction and helping coordinate the team while maintaining composure during CPR and other critical situations.
• Complete daily medical and surgical paperwork accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain records for controlled and non‑controlled medications.
• Clean, sterilize, organize, and prepare surgical instruments and supplies.
• Perform veterinary assistant duties as needed, including maintaining animal holding and work areas.
• Follow all departmental standard operating procedures and verbal instructions.
• Collaborate with teammates to keep patient care safe, efficient, and compassionate.
• Take on other responsibilities as assigned by management.

• Current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential required.
• At least 3 years of veterinary technician experience required.
• Strong anesthesia monitoring and surgical preparation skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced setting.
• Professional, clear, and compassionate communication skills.
• The ability to remain calm, focused, and effective during emergencies and high‑pressure situations.
• A collaborative mindset and genuine commitment to excellent animal care and client service.
• Ability to stand for up to 10 hours during a shift and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions and work comfortably in small or confined spaces.

• Respect: for each and every life.
• Community: of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.
• Innovation: to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.
• Pro‑activity: to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.
• Transparency: that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.
• Education:
  
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