JOB DESCRIPTION
Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin
Job Title:
CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Reports to:
ANIMAL CARE MANAGER
Scope of Position:
Responsible for assisting and supporting the staff veterinarian in
examining, handling, and treating patients. Responsible for
effectively communicating with the general public and those
directly related to HSSW to ensure proper health care to animals
under the protection of the shelter. Responsible for clinic cleaning,
ordering and inventory and assisting with surgery and surgery
scheduling. This is a full time position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
A.
Daily Animal Care
1. Assist veterinarian in examining, handling, and treating patients.
2. Administer first aid treatments and medications to sick and injured animals as directed
by the veterinarian as well as providing water and proper diet for all animals in
veterinary care.
3. Prepare patients for surgery, assist in surgery, administer anesthesia and postoperative
care, perform dental cleanings, perform euthanasia when required and directed by the
Veterinarian or Animal Care Manager.
4. Assist in admission procedures of animals including vaccinations and general health
assessments and notify veterinarian of those animals in need of medical attention.
5. Perform venipuncture and diagnostic laboratory tests.
6. Handle all animals humanely, properly and with compassion.
7. Clean cages and care for all animals housed in Animal Medical Services.
8. Monitor status of all ICU patients and communicate changes in status to the
veterinarian.
B.
Communications with Staff, Volunteers and Public
1. Admit and discharge animals to the shelter in a courteous, and tactful manner and to
inform the client of any pertinent medical information on the animal’s care.
2. Field general inquiries and serve as an education resource for the staff, volunteers, and
public in a calm, courteous manner.
3. Foster an open and friendly atmosphere between Animal Medical Services and the
staff, volunteers and public.
4. Actively assist in improving volunteer retention and job satisfaction in the animal care
department as well as the shelter as a whole.
5. Work as a team both within the animal care department and within the shelter as a
whole.
C.
Maintenance of Veterinary Treatment Records
1. Maintain patient records by accurately recording treatments and other test results on
patient charts and other medical records.
2. Maintain accurate surgical records by completing any related paperwork, computer
data entry, and monthly statistical data reports.
3. Manage veterinary treatment inventory and order supplies.
D.
Building Maintenance
1. Maintain a healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant, and clean environment for the animals in
the veterinary treatment facilities at all times.
2. Daily and weekly cleaning, organization, and restocking in AMS.
3. Maintenance or supervision of maintenance of all medical and surgical equipment.
2. Follow established procedures governing safe work practices.
F.
Other Duties as Assigned
Qualifications:
1. Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals
in the workplace.
2. Experience in caring for and handling animals in a safe, effective and humane manner.
Knowledge of current shelter maintenance techniques and accepted sanitary practices.
Knowledge and familiarity with clinical signs of illness in cats, dogs, and exotic animals.
Knowledge of preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic veterinary treatment of domestic and
exotic animals.
3. Ability to accommodate various work assignments and schedules to meet the needs of the
animals at the shelter. Ability to provide leadership, education, supervision, and direction to
employees and volunteers.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of staff, volunteers, and public.
5. Professional appearance including wearing the designated uniform and maintaining a neat and
clean appearance.
6. Critical evaluation and observational skills.
7. Currently Certified/Licensed as a Veterinary Technician in the state of Wisconsin preferred,
but will accept a valid certificate or license from another state.
I have read, understand, and accept this job description and understand it will serve as the guide
for my professional development. I further understand that HSSW has the unilateral discretion to
modify this job description.
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Signature
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Date