Veterinary Technician

Are you passionate about animal welfare and thrive in a fast-paced, shelter medicine environment? Ruff Start Rescue is seeking a compassionate and skilled technician to join our dedicated team!

In this role, you’ll provide exams, patient care, and surgical support for animals in the rescue’s care. You’ll collaborate closely with a supportive team of veterinary professionals to carry out treatment plans, monitor recovery, and ensure every animal receives the highest standard of care on their journey to a better life.

This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a real impact every day alongside a team that shares your commitment to saving lives, one animal at a time.

Availability: Monday through Friday, 7 am-5 pm (times and days may vary due to workload). The ability and willingness to accommodate a flexible schedule are key.

• Evaluate and examine incoming patients.
• Complete medical and surgical procedures in a competent, safe, and efficient manner.
• Perform common in-house laboratory diagnostics.
• Enter the required data into the medical records.
• Support daily flow, including setup, check-in, recovery, discharge, and cleanup.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to ensure that animals receive proper care and necessary treatments to prepare them for adoption.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Certification as a Veterinary Technician preferred, with demonstrated experience in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and shelter medicine environments.
• Preferred candidates must have at least 1 year of experience in anesthesiology and surgery.
• The ability to lift 50 lbs and be physically able to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, and climb steps.
• A strong understanding of animal body language and behavioral cues facilitates calm and safe interactions.
• Ability to accurately evaluate the health and condition of animals while providing safe restraint.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• The right candidate will be self‑motivated, able to work independently, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Applicant must have a work laptop to bring with them to work.

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and discretion. Skilled at handling sensitive and confidential situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills - outgoing, patient, professional, and able to get along well with a variety of people.
• Ability to show compassion and empathize with the foster families and peers.
• Work as a team player, supporting the organization’s overall goals.
• Possibility-driven, proactive, personable, energetic, collaborative, and tactful.
• Brings a strong drive for results while maintaining a calm approach to managing change and working through unexpected or challenging situations.
• Well organized.

• Health insurance available the 1st of the month after 30 days; RSR covers 50% of the employee premium.
• Optional insurance plans available after 90 days (employee-paid at discounted group rates), including:
  • Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Accident, Critical Illness, Cancer, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

• 401(k) plan with up to 3% match after 90 days.
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
  • Year 1: 10 days
  • Years 2–3: 15 days
  • Years 4–5: 20 days
  • Years 6–7: 25 days
  • Year 8+: 30 days (PTO is prorated from anniversary date upon moving into a new bracket)
• 7 paid holidays annually; observed on the closest workday if falling on a weekend.
• Paid Parental Leave

• Up to $200 annually for professional development.
• Employee discount on Ruff Start Rescue merchandise and services.

Salary: $20-$27/hr

Reports to: Practice Manager

Applicants, please note: When applying, include a cover letter and resume.