Veterinary Technician

Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate kindness and the Golden Rule in our everyday actions by practicing inclusion and respect for every person for the value they bring to the table.
• Be a role model for the spirit of authenticity, kindness and positive influence with each other, our visitors, and volunteers as well as to the animals every day.
• Perform medical care for dogs including but not limited to intravenous injections, blood draws, medicating, vaccinating, subcutaneous fluids, catheter placement, and microchipping under the direction of a veterinarian;
• Maintain a clean and disinfected working environment, maintain controlled substances logs, accurately enter, and maintain patient and client medical data;
• Support, empower and enable volunteers and foster parents with the goal of utilizing volunteers to expand Best Friends lifesaving capacity;
• Conduct client communications including aftercare and emergency support;
• Work collaboratively with Best Friends’ team members in all areas of operations to achieve veterinary services and organizational lifesaving goals;
• Maintain a safe workplace, value, and model safe work practices, adhere to organizational safety practices and rules, and communicate to leadership about unsafe practices and conditions.

Skills and Experience

• Some formal education from an AVMA accredited veterinary technician certification program preferred but not required.
• A minimum of two years working experience in veterinary medicine setting or equivalent work experience in an animal welfare or nonprofit setting.
• Experience working with a variety of species, including large animal is strongly preferred.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills preferred but not required.
• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues;
• Familiarity and comfort with a conversational adoption process.
• Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns;
• Basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats.
• Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or desire to learn.

Physical Requirements

• Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, sitting, walking, arm, and hand motion.
• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
• Exposure to dogs and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.
• Valid driver’s license, meeting Best Friends Animal Society’s driver qualification standards; ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.
• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, holiday work, and may include on-call shifts.