Veterinary Technician - Hospital

Description

At the San Francisco SPCA, we believe every pet deserves compassionate, high-quality veterinary care—regardless of their guardian’s financial circumstances. As a nonprofit organization, we focus on mission-driven care, putting animals and families first rather than profit margins. Our Mission Hospital is a full-service AAHA-accredited General Practice/Urgent Care veterinary hospital where our clients and patients receive meaningful, impactful care in a supportive, collaborative environment. 

Veterinary Technicians are pivotal in the medical care of patients treated at the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital. Our Veterinary Assistants and RVTs provide nursing care and assists in medical treatments, handling, and procedures as directed by staff veterinarians as well as providing client education and enhancing the client experience.  

Core Responsibilities:

Veterinary Care

• Monitor and triage hospitalized patients, reporting concerns to veterinarians as needed
• Perform and interpret basic diagnostic tests and laboratory procedures
• Prepare patients for surgery; induce, maintain, and monitor anesthesia; assist in surgical procedures
• Perform venipuncture, IV catheter placement, radiographs, injections, and medication/fluid calculations
• Administer medications and treatments in compliance with veterinary direction and controlled substance laws 
• Maintain surgical equipment and facilities; follow hospital care protocols and collaborate effectively with the veterinary team

Administrative Duties

• Maintain and create patient records by accurately recording treatments, examinations and test results on computerized patient charts and other medical records
• Support client callbacks for follow up and lab results
• Participate in regular staff meetings and assist with keeping inventory and ordering supplies

Client and Community Service 

• Responsible for the admission and discharge of patients from the Veterinary Hospital in a responsive, courteous and supportive manner to both internal and external clients
• Educate clients on animal care – with clarity and compassion
• Provide a positive experience to clients, volunteers, and other employees while actively promoting our mission, services, programs and events
• Support the Client Experience team in creating a system that enhances continuity in care for the client and patient. 

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the state of California or Veterinary Assistant with equivalent hands-on clinical experience
• Experience with humane animal handling and restraint techniques of healthy, ill and feral animals
• Experience in caring for and handling animals in a safe, effective and humane manner, especially larger and possibly untrained pets
• Computer literate and able to master veterinary software as applicable to hospital operations
• Knowledge of basic dog and cat physiology, anatomy and behavior as it relates to understanding the general health of animals
• Ability to accommodate varied work assignments and schedules
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills; ability to provide direction to employees and volunteers

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $28.00 - 40.00 / hour.  Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching
• Student debt relief program
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies
• Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Work is performed in a shelter/animal hospital setting Frequent standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, and climbing stairs while seeing patients 

• Regularly moves about the campus to coordinate work
• Exposure to disinfectant solutions throughout working environments.
• Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals
• Repeated lifting and carrying of animals weighing up to 50 pounds
• Consistent exposure to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available
• Tetanus and rabies (pre-exposure) inoculations are required or must be waived