Registered Veterinary Technician

About the role

• Under the direction of the Medical and Outreach Manager, the Registered Veterinary Technician is responsible for the medical care to animals, assisting the Veterinarians in the health care of animals and the analysis of animal disease; and rendering emergency treatment in life-threatening situations to sustain life.  

What you'll do

• Assists the Lead Veterinarian in implementing high-quality medical care and health management programs for Pets In Need’s shelter animals at both Palo Alto and Redwood City locations. 
• Assists the Lead Veterinarian in implementing HQHV spay and neuter for shelter and public owned animals. 

• Assists with low-cost vaccination clinics as needed. 

• Performs diagnostic tests, venipuncture, x-rays, laboratory tests, IV catheter placement and drug / fluid calculations.   

• Conduct in-house laboratory testing and ensure proper sample handling and documentation. 

• Administers treatments, performs health checks, manages vaccinations and flea/tick prevention, handles deworming, and bathes animals as needed. 

• Induces, maintains and monitors and recovers animals under anesthesia and prepares animals for surgery. 

• Works with the Veterinary Assistants and Volunteers, including training and directing completion of tasks necessary to achieve optimal medical department efficiency. 

• Follows veterinary protocols and standing orders for animals in PIN’s shelter, including medical, behavior and general care practices for the health and well-being of the animals, individually and as a herd. 

• Maintains records of all medications and other care as needed. 

• Complies with all laws pertaining to controlled substances. 

• Performs dental radiographs, prophylactic cleaning, and extractions as directed by the Veterinarian. 

• Performs euthanasia. 

• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to veterinary assistants, support staff, and volunteers. 

• Promote a culture of teamwork, efficiency, and high standards of patient care. 

• Performs other job duties as required. 

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

• Valid Registered Veterinary Technician license in state of California and three years of experience working as an RVT in a shelter or Emergency Clinic. 

• Experience working in a high quality/high volume spay/neuter operation. 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills are required. 

• Experience with animal handling and restraint, animal health, and behavior assessments.  

• Must be able to work efficiently and effectively under stressful conditions. 

• Must be able to cope with death either due to surgical complications or euthanasia. 

• Must be able to delegate tasks. 

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, handle fluctuating priorities, and multiple projects. 

• Positive attitude and professional demeanor. 

• Spanish fluency strongly preferred and compensated. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Physically strong and dexterous, and ability to stand for extended periods. 

• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly. 

• Must have good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, your back for twisting, and elbows.  

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• No allergic reactions resulting from close proximity to animals in the workplace. 

• Working with potentially dangerous and fractious animals. 

• Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain animals when necessary. 

• Works remotely, on-site, and outdoors in various settings and weather within the community. 

• Ability to travel between locations. 

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays. 

 Describe the experience and attributes of the ideal candidate