Position Summary: Provides direct medical care for all of the animals in the shelter. Confers with the Director of Animal Care and the GHHS Shelter regarding the medical needs of the animals. Examines all animals upon acceptance into the shelter. Provides basic immunizations and medical care as needed; manages transportation of animals to Veterinarians for treatment or procedures. This includes both animals in our care and animals in foster homes. Ensures isolation procedures are followed for any contagious animals. Works with the Director of Animal Care, the CEO and staff, GHHS Board of Directors, volunteers, and the GHHS Animal Care Committee to develop and implement GHHS policies and procedures that are related to animal care. Works with the animal care staff and volunteers to effectively, efficiently, humanely, and safely operate the shelter’s clinic and ensure proper care for the animals adhering to industry standards.
Responsibilities:
- Handle, restrain, and triage all animals entering the shelter to provide a complete workup including, but not always limited to, blood tests, administration of vaccines, dental exam, and assessment of overall welfare.
- Complete daily rounds to ensure constant supervision of the animals; participate in morning cleaning and sanitization when needed.
- Make and keep timely and accurate record(s) of appointments, treatments, preventatives, and vaccinations through ShelterLuv shelter software.
- Complete intake paperwork, enter it into ShelterLuv, and file hard/paper copies in an organized fashion.
- Administer and keep record of all medications given to animals: orally, SQ, and IM as directed.
- Prepare animals for surgery and inspect afterward to ensure clean incisions. Following pre- and post- operation protocols.
- Prepare animals for adoption regarding health exams, inoculations, and baths to ensure that the animal is set up for a successful and healthy life in their new home.
- Maintain an organized, efficient, and clean clinic area. Maintain accurate and organized inventory of all drugs, vaccines, syringes, and supplies—locked and accounted for on a daily basis. Ordering supplies when necessary through approval from the Director of Animal Care including microchips, chemical cleaning/disinfectant products and negotiating for the best price for the highest quality.
- Supervise Animal Care Staff & volunteers in absence of Director of Animal Care; Serve as a “Manager on Duty” on a rotating basis with other Directors and Managers.
- Serve as the liaison for GHHS to the Animal Care Committee only in the absence of the Director of Animal Care and/or the absence of the CEO.
- Work with the Director of Animal Care on the distribution and record keeping of “Helping Paws Good Samaritan” vouchers.
- Assist Director of Animal Care with obtaining contracts for services with participating veterinary practices to negotiate reduced cost of services.
- Consult with contracted veterinarians and Director of Animal Care regarding complex or special cases – proposes a plan o faction as approved by the Shelter Veterinarian and Director of Animal Care who provide authorization of such care.
- Assists with emergency medical care calls after normal business hours at the Emergency Animal Clinic per GHHS protocol. Notifies the Director of Animal Care and Shelter Veterinarian of any emergency situations as soon as possible.
- Maintains awareness of industry standards and innovations through publications, attendance of seminars, continuing education activities, and contact with persons of equivalent positions in similar organizations.
- Performs other duties as assigned by supervisors.
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Qualifications:
Licensed Veterinary Technician preferred and/or Associates Degree in Animal Science.
Relevant experience and the willingness to get licensed will also be considered.
Three years of experience in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or related field, handling, medicating, restraining and caring for animals.
Basic computer skills and organization skills are necessary to be successful in this role.
Must be comfortable and willing to work with the public and potential adopters, foster homes, and volunteers.