Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Veterinary Assistant

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV), a privately funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit, has been serving people and pets in Silicon Valley since 1929. HSSV is a leader in animal welfare through our lifesaving efforts, community programs, and the many ways we are working to move the animal welfare industry forward. Our mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.

We are a passionate, high-performing team who believes that collaboration is key to our success. Our best work is achieved by leveraging each other’s strengths and creating opportunities for professional growth. Join a team that focuses on our key values of kindness, courage, and impact!

 

Overview

The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Veterinary Assistant cares for and treats shelter and privately owned animals in our state-of-the art medical center, which cares for over 7,000 homeless pets and performs over 8,800 surgeries each year. This individual is scheduled for an alternative work week consisting of two to three 10-hour days. Schedule may include duties in onsite spay/neuter/vaccine clinic, in-house shelter medicine, or mobile spay/neuter and wellness clinics.

Key Responsibilities - RVT

 

• Be a member of a high performing team comprised of Veterinary Assistants, RVT’s, Veterinarians, and volunteers to provide the highest standard of care to animals. 
• Under direct supervision of a DVM: induce anesthesia for patients undergoing spay/neuter and other surgical procedures; apply casts and splints; perform dental extractions; suture wounds and dental sites; perform cut-backs for IV catheters; and provide excellent care to all animals.
• Identify symptoms of common animal illnesses; administer medications (including controlled substances), vaccinations, and preventative treatments; perform diagnostic tests; and triage new shelter intakes. 

• Perform euthanasia procedures on sick and injured animals.
• Participate in medical examinations and various soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries.
• Prepare daily surgery medications and treatments; maintain controlled drug logs and medical records; and manage the daily flow of surgical patients to ensure timeliness and efficiency.  
• Perform full-body and dental x-rays. 
• Complete standing orders for medical treatment per established protocols. 
• Triage patients requiring medical attention, including the use of telehealth technology. 
• Ensure surgical and treatment areas are clean and well-stocked; maintain a safe and sanitary environment at all times. Use Fear Free animal handling techniques, restrain animals for surgery and/or procedures.

• Discharge surgical patients and provide excellent customer care and client communications. 
• Ensure prompt and accurate data entry and paperwork procedures are followed each day. 
• Adhere to HSSV’s safety, disinfection, and animal care protocols. 
• Maintain a professional and collaborative attitude when working with co-workers, or cross-functionally with staff in other departments. 
• Other job duties may be assigned as needed. 

 

Key Responsibilities – Vet Assistant

 

• Be a member of a high performing team comprised of Veterinary Assistants, RVT’s, Veterinarians, and volunteers to provide the highest standard of care to animals. 
• Under direct supervision of a DVM or RVT, assist with pre-op induction and surgical prep, monitor anesthesia, and provide excellent care to animals undergoing spay/neuter and other surgical procedures.
• Identify symptoms of common animal illnesses, administer prescribed medications, vaccinations, and preventative treatments to animals under pre-, peri-and post-operative stages; administer treatments to hospitalized patients; perform diagnostic tests; and triage new shelter intakes. 
• Under direct supervision of a DVM, assist with dental x-rays and prophylaxis procedures. 
• Complete standing orders for medical treatment per established protocols. 
• Triage patients requiring medical attention, including the use of telehealth technology. 
• Ensure surgical and treatment areas are clean and well-stocked; maintain a safe and sanitary environment at all times. 
• Use Fear Free animal handling techniques, restrain animals for surgery and/or procedures.
• Discharge surgical patients and provide excellent customer care and client communications. 
• Ensure prompt and accurate data entry and paperwork procedures are followed each day. 
• Adhere to HSSV’s safety, disinfection, and animal care protocols. 
• Maintain a professional and collaborative attitude when working with co-workers, or cross-functionally with staff in other departments. 
• Other job duties may be assigned as needed. 

Requirements

• For RVT, CA licensed Registered Veterinary Technician required. 
• For Vet Assistant, Must be able to acquire a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) in compliance with the California Veterinary Medical Board: https://www.vmb.ca.gov/applicants/vacsp_faq.shtml. 

• Experience caring for animals in a medical or animal shelter setting using Fear Free animal handling techniques. 
• Ability to respond appropriately during an emergency and maintain competency in CPR procedures. 
• Comfort and competence with handling all types of pet animals required. 
• Passionate about animal welfare and making a difference in the community; able to work in an emotional field where a positive attitude and empathy are essential. 
• Excellent customer service skills and must enjoy a fast-paced work environment. 
• Strong desire to participate in and contribute to onsite and mobile needs.
• A team player willing to jump in and help in any area. 

• Motivated with a desire to learn and grow and dedicated and passionate about saving lives.
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust, engage internal and external audiences, and influence outcomes with stakeholders. If not used above). 

Work Days and Hours

This individual is scheduled for an alternative work week consisting of two to three 10-hour days. Schedule may include duties in onsite spay/neuter/vaccine clinic, in-house shelter medicine, or mobile spay/neuter and wellness clinics. Hours are based on organizational needs. Depending on staffing needs, overtime may be required. Shifts start as early as 6:30am and some end as late at 7:30pm. Because of the need to care for animals onsite 7 days a week, positions require working at least one weekend day.

Candidate Tip

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