DUBUQUE REGIONAL HUMANE SOCIETY
Job Description
Title: Veterinary Technician
Reports to: Veterinarian
Hours: 40+ hours per week, frequent extended, evening and weekend hours
Status: Exempt
Summary
The Veterinary Technician performs technical and routine animal care, which includes preparing
for surgeries, giving shots and cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures. The Veterinary
Technician is responsible for performing diagnostics and treatments, surgical preparation, preand post-operation medical and behavior assessment, foster support, rabies certificates, and
general cleaning of the Hafeman Animal Care Center (Vet Clinic).
Essential Job Functions
 Receive, examine, and vaccinate animals when Veterinarian is not available. Administer
medications, conduct health exams, and administer first-aid when necessary.
 Perform humane euthanasia.
 Review vaccination records and administer vaccines according to the DRHS’ vaccine
protocol.
 Assist Veterinarian in medical procedures using proper restraint and surgical procedures.
 Ensure proper cleaning and storage of medical equipment. Wrap and autoclave surgical
packs. Prepare surgical suite and paperwork for next day surgeries.
 Administer anesthesia and intubate animals. Monitor animals under anesthesia and their
responses.
 Maintain pharmacy records and controlled drug logs.
 Perform blood analysis, in-house fecals, and urinalysis. Perform and analyze skin and ear
cytologies.
 Complete ear cleanings and nail trims.
 Administer microchips.
 Maintain knowledge of animal inventory, shelter events, and special needs of the shelter
 Safely transfer animals from one animal enclosure to another and ensure proper
documentation.
Other Duties
 Thoroughly clean Hafeman Animal Care Center and it’s animal enclosures and provide
animals with new blankets, food, and water.
 Complete laundry and dishes for Hafeman Animal Care Center.
 Provide timely, compassionate, and courteous service to customers, visitors, and
volunteers.
 Provide accurate information to customers and volunteers about the DRHS’ policies and
procedures.
 General office duties, including answering phones, data entry into PetPoint, filing,
copying, and faxing.
Approved MB 10/29/2014
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Ensure medical area has adequate supplies. Order supplies when needed.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
 Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technician program or equivalent combination of
education and work experience.
 Have steadfast belief in the mission, policies, and procedures of the DRHS.
 Knowledge of animal healthcare and welfare, technical procedures used in vaccinations,
euthanasia, and identification of animal species.
 Animal handling and restraint skills.
 Organizational skills, detail-oriented, and resourceful.
 Lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods at a time.
 Work collaboratively with diverse groups of people including volunteers, department
supervisors, and staff.
 Make decisions in the best interest of the organization.
 Strong organization, interpersonal, and multi-tasking skills. Able to prioritize and adhere
to deadlines.
 Excellent verbal communication skills.
Working Environment
The Veterinary Technician will encounter regular exposure to animal odors, diseases, possible
contagious conditions, bites, scratches, animal waste, and high noise levels.
How to Apply
Send your resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references to Joyce Parsons at
joyce@dbqhumane.org.
Approved MB 10/29/2014