Veterinary Technician

The veterinary technician provides a wide range of medical care and guidance, from basic wellness and care to surgical support for shelter animals. Ensure each patient is treated humanely and compassionately and that medical information is shared with clients in a way that is friendly, approachable, and clear, and that it complies with policies and the mission of Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Medical Care

• Assist veterinarians with daily rounds, examinations and monitoring daily health of animals in shelter and in foster care
• Obtaining patient history, addressing adopter or foster parent concerns, performing indicated diagnostics, administering treatments, and reviewing discharge instructions
• Inform and educate adopters and foster parents on animal health status, health inquiries, diseases, and proper care.
• Calculate, administer and record medications, complete controlled drug logs. 
• Respond to emergency situations and begin first aid or CPR as needed.
• Perform nursing care such as wound care, administering medications (oral, topical, injectable), feeding special diets, checking vital signs, placing and maintaining IV, catheters and administering and monitoring IV fluid therapy under supervision of a veterinarian.
• Fill prescriptions.
• Perform and assist with euthanasia of shelter and publicly owned animals following certification.
   

Diagnostics

• Collect laboratory samples including blood, urine, feces, skin samples, and ear swabs
• Prepare laboratory samples and perform in-house screenings or prepare to be sent to reference laboratory
   

Surgical and Anesthesia

• Prepare animals for surgery including pre-surgery health screenings, animal identification, preparing medications, anesthesia induction, and aseptically preparing surgical site.
• Perform all aspects of anesthesia monitoring including during peri and post-operative monitoring. 
• Clean, wrap and sterilize surgical instruments. 
• Assist with surgical check in and discharge of public, foster, and shelter animals. 
• Perform dental scaling and polishing

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Knowledge of vet tech and animal shelter procedures, protocols.
• Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal behavior patterns.
• Ability to work effectively, independently and in team; in atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, deadline pressures; to be flexible, detail oriented; to prioritize
• Excellent interpersonal skills w/ customer service orientation. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, professionally.
• Computer literacy w/ proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet and database software.
• Passion for caring of all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament or species.
• Ability to work weeknights, weekends, holidays as needed. Ability to work weekend vaccine, feline clinics, as needed.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
• Ability to be comfortable working w/ cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, wildlife.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on daily basis, including lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, standing, bending.
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile, irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, sights; extreme temperatures.

Education and Experience:

• College degree or equivalent experience. Certified or licensed Veterinarian Technician preferred.
• Experience as high volume surgical veterinary technician preferred. 
• Ability to pass surgical skills assessment during interview process.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Eric Knowles at p913001@aacounty.org.