Animal Services Technician (Animal Care Technician)

Anne Arundel County; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Anne Arundel County Animal Services is seeking a full-time Animal Services Technician to support humane animal care and intake procedures. You will assist with examinations, vaccinations, and treatments while coordinating with veterinarians, behavior staff, and front desk personnel.

This safety-sensitive role requires compassion, accurate record-keeping, and the ability to move animals through the shelter system efficiently, including handling and euthanasia under prescribed procedures as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; 1+ year veterinary technician experience preferred.
• Knowledge of veterinary care, animal handling, and safety procedures.
• Experience with vaccines, examinations and basic treatments is expected.

Responsibilities

• Perform intake procedures and gather animal history for shelter pathways.
• Administer vaccinations and routine treatments under SOPs.
• Assist veterinarian and behavior staff; document care and medications.
• House animals, assist with euthanasia per procedures, and maintain records.
• Operate animal population software and communicate with public via multiple channels.

Skills

Veterinary technology knowledge

Record keeping & PC use

Interpersonal skills with public

Animal handling safety

Education

High school diploma

1+ year veterinary technician experience

Tools

Animal population software

Job description

Anne Arundel County Animal Services is dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring safe human-animal interactions.

Animal Services is responsible for enforcing local and state laws, responding to animal-related complaints, conducting investigations regarding animal cruelty, investigating public safety concerns pertaining to animals and providing temporary housing for animals for a variety of reasons.

As the central location in Anne Arundel County for stray domestic animals, it annually reunites hundreds of lost pets with their owners. More than 2,000 pets of many species are either adopted from the shelter or leave with one of its rescue partners every year.

This posting will be used to fill a full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive represented Animal Services Technician(Animal Care Technician).

This position is responsible for providing consistent and efficient intake procedures to all animals in our care. This position will be one of the first people to interact with every animal that enters our system, ensuring each patient is treated humanely and compassionately. They will work closely with our behavior, front desk, field services and animal care teams with a focus on patient care and completion of tasks to move animals through the shelter system as quickly as possible.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

Work involves interacting with the public to assist with the intake of stray animals and owner surrendered animals, gathering information about the animals to help determine the appropriate pathway through the shelter. The work includes performing initial examinations, vaccinations and treatments following standard operating procedures. This position is responsible for providing owner requested end of life services and euthanasia of in-shelter animals in accordance with prescribed procedures and regulations.

Work involves responsibility for treating and assisting in the treatment of cats, dogs, and other domestic animals in accordance with prescribed procedures and regulations. Work includes working with radiology.

This job also involves use and tracking of controlled substances as needed. Work is performed under direct and general supervision within established laws, regulations, and procedures and is reviewed by a superior through observation, records, and conferences. Assists members of the public bringing in stray animals, and owners with surrendering and reclaiming pets. Gathering and documenting home history and medical records when possible. Assists the public by email, over the phone, and at the counter.

Performs basic examinations for all incoming animals, administers vaccinations and other routine treatments; assists the veterinarian as needed; keeps records and reports concerns to behavior staff and the veterinarian. Assigns housing area for animals in the shelter.

Euthanizes sick, injured or unadoptable animals in accordance with regulations and standard operating procedures; Calculate, administer and record medications, including completion of controlled substance logs. May occasionally include wild life.

Cleans and disinfects equipment, facilities, and rooms; assists in feeding and caring for animals; preparation of remains for cremation; Utilize animal population software to keep records, make reports, and perform data input for necessary reports and documentation.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of veterinary technology as related to the care and treatment of animals. Knowledge of the care and characteristics of domestic animals.

Knowledge of laws and ordinances governing animal protection and control.

Knowledge of hazards and safety practices involved in working with animals.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

Ability to prepare and maintain records, use a personal computer (PC), and office automation software

Graduation from high school; and one (1) or more years of experience as a veterinary technician, including euthanizing animals.

NOTE: This is a Safety Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

NOTE: The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.

NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

NOTE: Ability to work weeknights, weekends, holidays as needed.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

1. 1. Knowledge of vet tech and animal shelter procedures and protocols.


2. 2. Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal behavior patterns.