Veterinary Technician

Job Title:

Veterinary Technician Job Description

The Veterinary Technician works under general supervision to monitor, support, and document the health and comfort of laboratory animals. This role provides humane, safe, and sanitary care in a vivarium setting, assists with clinical and surgical procedures, and ensures strict compliance with all applicable regulations and study protocols. The technician collaborates closely with veterinary staff and animal care teams to support the full scope of veterinary care, husbandry, and research activities.

• Provide daily care for laboratory animals in a humane, safe, and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures.
• Observe animals for clinical signs of disease and behavioral changes, and promptly report findings to supervisory veterinary staff.
• Perform routine laboratory tests and analytical procedures to assess animal health, including blood and other diagnostic tests such as arterial and venous blood gases and ACT.
• Restrain animals safely for examinations and anesthesia induction, ensuring minimal stress and maximum safety.
• Communicate animal health concerns and observations clearly to veterinary staff and designated supervisors.
• Assist in preparing animals for invasive and interventional procedures, including pre-operative preparation and peri-operative monitoring.
• Accurately maintain all required records to ensure regulatory compliance, including animal treatments, drug logs, and other study-related documentation.
• Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments and equipment according to aseptic principles and laboratory standards.
• Support Animal Care Technicians by cleaning and maintaining assigned areas of the lab and vivarium as needed.
• Coordinate inventory of supplies, drugs, and equipment with other staff members to ensure adequate stock and readiness.
• Induce and maintain anesthesia in animals, monitor physiologic status, and take appropriate action during acute and chronic studies.
• Attend in-house training programs to advance knowledge of laboratory animal science, veterinary procedures, and workplace safety.
• Provide procedural and technical support to investigators and research staff as needed.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable regulations, guidelines, and institutional policies related to animal care and use.
• Prepare and submit laboratory work to outside diagnostic laboratories, including proper collection and handling of samples.
• Collect blood samples from appropriate vascular sites (such as cephalic or jugular veins) and perform other specimen collections as required.
• Administer oral medications and subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections according to established protocols.
• Place intravenous catheters, set up and maintain IV fluid lines and pumps, and monitor fluid therapy.
• Execute nasal cannulation and set up oxygen supplementation when required for animal care.
• Set up, operate, and maintain equipment such as blood pressure monitors, IV fluid pumps, suction units, and surgical instruments.
• Apply aseptic principles consistently during all procedures to maintain sterile fields and minimize infection risk.
• Accurately calculate medication dosages and volumes for liquids and tablets, and administer peri-operative pain medications per protocol.
• Maintain surgery and treatment inventory by regularly checking for outdated supplies and drugs and restocking as needed.
• Remain productive during slower periods by proactively seeking additional duties such as cleaning, stocking, and equipment checks.
• Participate in the full scope of veterinary care and husbandry, including routine monitoring and specialized care for study animals.
• Assist with animal procurement, receipt, placement, and movement within the facility and to or from off-site housing as directed.
• Participate in sanitization of the vivarium and animal areas as directed, following established cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• Prepare and anesthetize animals for procedures, provide peri-operative monitoring, and manage recovery from anesthesia.
• Dispense medications to study animals in accordance with veterinary orders and study protocols.
• Perform minor surgical interventions, including access and closure, as directed by veterinary staff.
• Assess animal health status for recording purposes and to support diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making by veterinarians.
• Make entries in, and review, all types of animal-related documentation and records to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Report equipment issues in animal care areas to supervisors and assist in ensuring timely maintenance or repair.
• Document any circumstances that may affect the quality and integrity of a study as soon as they occur.
• Report any health or medical condition in animals that may adversely affect a study to supervisory staff.
• Conform to and follow established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines at all times.
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary animal care and research…