Animal Shelter Vet Tech

Idaho Humane Society Job Description

Animal Shelter Veterinary Technician

The Idaho Humane Society is a community-supported open-door facility that provides shelter, medical care, adoption services, humane law enforcement services and much more to over 10,000 animals annually. Since its incorporation in 1945, the Idaho Humane Society has become one of the most recognized and beloved nonprofit organizations in the community.

Department:

Classification:

Regular, non-exempt

Job Relationships:

Supervised by Director of Shelter Medicine

DOE

Benefits:
Paid time off accrual, eight paid holidays, retirement plan, health insurance, dental insurance and supplemental insurance. All employees receive discounts on veterinary care and retail storepet supplies, as well as veterinary care credit and one free adoption annually.

Position Summary:

The Shelter Technician is responsible for the daily care of all hospitalized shelter animals and injury/ isolation animals. This includes medical treatment and maintaining a clean, healthy environment for the animals. The Shelter Technician will work closely with the Shelter Veterinarian. Weekend availability is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for complete care of any and all shelter animals hospitalized in treatment area. Perform medical care as requested by Shelter Veterinarian in a timely manner. Administer anesthesia and monitor animals undergoing surgery Complete bloodwork, radiographs, and other lab work as requested by a Shelter Veterinarian in a

timely manner. Maintain open communication with animal care staff regarding the health of all shelter animals. Ensure all medications are filled, patient charges are input correctly, and corresponding paperwork follows the animal to and from clinic/shelter. Assist the Shelter Veterinarian with exams throughout the day.

Assist Admissions Staff with triaging any incoming animals that are possibly in need of medical attention.

Complete or assist with humane euthanasia procedures when necessary.

Work closely and communicate with any volunteers to help ensure a positive experience and to

ensure proper procedures are being met. Necessary veterinary technician skills including, but not limited to:

• Taking radiographs
• Restraining animals safely
• Medicating patients properly
• Dispensing written prescriptions without error
• Drawing blood & running respective tests
• Monitoring animals under sedation
• Giving subcutaneous fluids
• Performing fecal flotation
• Performing urinalyses

Qualifications

• Prior experience in animal care.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at once.
• Strong communication skills and ability to maintain a professional demeanor as a liaison between shelter staff and clinic staff.
• Ability to work independently, and follow instructions with attention to detail.
• Must have patience with frightened animals and basic understanding of animal behavior, while working with all species without bias.
• Sincere interest in IHS mission and vision.
• Experience working in a shelter/rescue environment.
• Prior experience as a veterinary technician.

• High school diploma/ G.E.D.

Working Conditions Work is performed in an animal shelter and animal clinic. Potential for exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, hazardous chemicals or chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets, anesthetics, sharp objects and potential hostile persons and/or dangerous and fractious animals.

Mental, Physical and Communications Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to stay standing or active during entire shift. Ability to lift and carry objects and animals of moderate weight. Ability to lift, bend, stop, kneel, crouch, push and other strenuous activities. Requires treating people and animals in a pleasant, courteous and professional manner.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

Idaho Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer