Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

About the role

Our highly skilled technicians play a crucial role in our program, working as a team with Community Medicine veterinarians and assistants to provide essential veterinary services to pets and rescue animals in underserved communities. The ASPCA’s Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC) offers high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN), preventive care, and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. As a technician, you’ll build a wide range of skills, using your education and license to its full extent while focusing exclusively on medical duties. Your work will alternate between spay/neuter surgery, appointments, and outpatient procedures.

About Community Medicine

The ASPCA’s Community Medicine (CM) team provides expert veterinary care to support the welfare of animals and their people through stationary and mobile clinics in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. We help pet owners overcome barriers to care by bringing quality services directly to underserved communities, often subsidizing the cost of basic and preventive care. CM treats people and pets with dignity and respect, assisting pet owners in making informed health decisions for their animals regardless of financial circumstances.

When you join the ASPCA, you become part of a team of over 1,000 dedicated colleagues with deep knowledge, skills, and passion for the animals we serve.

Where and When You’ll Work

This is an on-site role based at the Brooklyn ASPCA Community Veterinary Clinic, located at 464 New Lots Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207. Occasional flexibility to report to other ASPCA locations in NYC may be required based on operational needs. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8-hour days, with occasional flexibility to work beyond the scheduled workday. Schedules are subject to change at the discretion of the ASPCA.

Responsibilities

• Care for 35-40 cats and dogs per day in spay/neuter surgery.
• Administer injections, including anesthetics, pain medications, vaccinations, and other medications.
• Intubate animals, place intravenous catheters, perform venipuncture, and administer fluids as needed.
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases.
• Provide treatments and supportive care following CM Standard Operating Procedures and as directed by the attending veterinarian.
• Ensure a safe and compassionate environment for animals, staff, and clients using low-stress handling techniques.
• Assist with patient exams, take medical histories, perform diagnostic testing, and prepare medications for clients.
• Maintain controlled substance drug logs and patient records.
• Stay current on emergency drugs and protocols.
• Ensure anesthetic machines, pulse oximeters, scales, and other equipment are functional; report malfunctioning equipment.
• Assist with humane euthanasia in accordance with ASPCA policy and CM protocols.
• Clean and disinfect animal areas, equipment, instruments, and facilities using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Provide medical support in special cases, including evaluating animals in hoarding situations.
• Communicate with clients in a non-judgmental, professional manner, explaining veterinary concepts such as vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks.
• Enter medical information into digital databases.
• Represent the ASPCA professionally and adhere to OSHA protocols and CM Standard Operating Procedures.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with ASPCA colleagues.
• Participate in veterinary/medical training for CM staff, ASPCA staff, and veterinary/technical students through coaching and demonstration.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited school of veterinary science technology (2- or 4-year program) or equivalent as determined by the New York State Education Department.
• Current New York State Veterinary Technician License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment).
• Surgery/anesthesia experience preferred.
• Excellent animal handling skills (cats, dogs).
• Strong customer service skills.
• Proficiency in using computers and software applications.
• Ability to lift and carry 40-plus pounds repeatedly throughout the day with assistance.
• Ability to stand for 8 or more hours.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions.
• Strong interest in animal welfare and serving underserved communities.
• Fear Free® Shelter certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies.

Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Licensed Veterinary Technician (American Association of Veterinary State Boards).
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology or related field.

Pay

The target hiring range for this role is $34.60 - $40.00 per hour. Starting pay depends on factors such as education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands, or budgeted amount. The maximum hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum range based on performance over time.

This position is eligible for a $2,500 signing bonus and a $2,500 retention bonus after one year of service, in addition to relocation assistance.

Benefits

• Flexible time off, including vacation, sick, bereavement, paid parental leave, company-paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings, including veterinary state license fee reimbursement and a 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 4% and an additional 4% annual contribution.
• Robust professional development opportunities, including three paid continuing education days and a CE stipend.