Veterinary Technician

Description

Assists in all phases of shelter veterinary care; creates and maintains all records associated with animal medical care; maintains medical inventory of authorized animals; assists with daily shelter operations; and performs other duties as assigned or required.

• Prepares surgical equipment and passes instruments/materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.
• Acts as a sterile or non-sterile assistant to the veterinarian in surgery, and is familiar with surgical equipment and techniques as appropriate.
• Holds or restrains animals during veterinary procedures.
• Prepares examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies; cleans, maintains, and sterilizes surgical equipment and instruments.
• Administers and monitors anesthetics during surgery and recovery.
• Monitors animals recovering from surgery and notifies the veterinarian of any unusual changes or symptoms.
• Provides routine post-operative care, administers medications, and/or prepares samples for laboratory examination.
• Collects laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces for testing.
• Performs routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests such as, but not limited to taking and developing x-rays.
• Provides assistance with necropsies.
• Charts medical records according to practice protocol using correct medical terminology and abbreviations.
• Performs and supervises "well-check" examinations of intake animals.
• Assists veterinarian in examining animals to determine the nature and extent of illnesses or injuries, behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
• Observes and records behavior.
• Isolates sick animals as required.
• Performs hygiene-related duties such as clipping animals' coats, claws and performs dental cleanings.
• Cleans and maintains all Animal Shelter facilities to control the spread of disease.
• Performs or assists in the euthanasia of animals, including transporting of animals to euthanasia area, restraint of animals during euthanasia, checking for vital signs subsequent to euthanasia, and removal of deceased animals to storage areas.
• Prepares food/special dietary requirements for animals.
• Respond to or re-direct public inquiries in person and by phone to provide assistance, direction, or explanation of shelter programs and/or policies.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Associate's Degree in a field related to veterinary study; and two year's experience as a licensed Veterinary Technician; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.
• Certification as a Texas Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) is preferred.
• Maintain possession of euthanasia certificate.
• Successful completion of TVMA's CVA I test within one year of hire.