CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Anti-Cruelty; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Anti-Cruelty in Chicago seeks a skilled Certified Veterinary Technician to support a high-volume spay/neuter program and provide comprehensive veterinary care in a shelter and outpatient setting. You will assist with preventive care, wellness appointments, and treatment of medical cases for animals awaiting adoption.

The role requires 5+ years of experience, strong anesthesia and surgical care skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced shelter environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Licensed Veterinary Technician certification required.
• 5+ years of shelter experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support.
• Communicate effectively with clients, vets and team members.
• Safely and compassionately handle and restrain animals during examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Deliver hands-on medical care including vaccines, medications, and basic care.
• Perform venipuncture, place catheters, and administer injections; collect blood with precision.
• Prepare and capture diagnostic radiographs to aid evaluation of medical conditions.
• Perform anesthesia induction and intubation; monitor during surgery and post‑op recovery.
• Collect and analyze diagnostic samples using IDEXX analyzers, cytology, and tests.
• Dental prophylaxis and full mouth radiographs for dogs and cats.
• Provide telemedicine to clients under supervision.

Skills

Shelter experience

Communication with vets

Compassionate animal care

Education

High school diploma or GED

Veterinary Technician Certification

Tools

IDEXX In-House Analyzers

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

CERTIFIED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Main Shelter, Chicago, IL, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1286

Salary Range: $24.00 To $26.00 Hourly

JOB TITLE: Certified Veterinary Technician

DEPARTMENT: Clinic

REPORTS TO: Clinic Manager

STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Certified Veterinary Technician with 5 years experience , preferably in an animal shelter setting. This position is heavily focused on supporting our high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) program, with an emphasis on delivering the highest standards of anesthesia and surgical care. In addition, this role offers the opportunity to provide well-rounded medical support as a shelter and outpatient technician—from assisting with preventive care and wellness appointments to assisting with treatment of medical cases for shelter animals awaiting adoption.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support.
• Communicate effectively with clients, vets and team members
• Safely and compassionately handle and restrain animals during examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Deliver hands-on medical care to animals, including administering vaccines, medications, and basic care (nail trims, ear cleanings, gland expression etc.)
• Perform venipuncture, place catheters, and administer subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections; conduct blood draws with precision.
• Prepare and capture diagnostic radiographs to aid in evaluating medical conditions.
• Perform anesthesia induction and intubation, monitor animals during surgical procedures, and oversee post-surgical recovery to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Collect and analyze diagnostic samples including use of IDEXX in-house analyzers, skin scrapes, in-house antigen tests, parvovirus testing, fecal flotation, and cytology.
• Perform physical examinations on shelter animals and accurately record findings.
• Perform dental prophylaxis and take full mouth digital dental radiographs on dogs and cats.
• Provide telemedicine to clients with an existing Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship under direct or indirect supervision of Supervising Veterinarian
• Obtain and maintain licensure as a Certified Euthanasia Technician.
• Assist in training newer employees.
• Assist Director of Clinic Services in ordering supplies by keeping inventory of all medical supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Comprehensive knowledge of animal care, veterinary medical procedures, and the diagnosis and management of common shelter-related diseases.
• Proficiency in performing diagnostic tests and assisting in surgical procedures.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach to animal care, including handling shelter animals that may be fearful, stressed, or exhibit behavioral challenges.
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changes in protocols, priorities, and work environments.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in potentially stressful or emotional situations.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required
• Veterinary Technician Certification
• 5 + years of previous experience as a Veterinary Technician or Assistant in a shelter setting

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work around companion animals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and meet the physical demands of the role, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife.
• Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Available to work an extended schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays according to demands of the role and tasks.

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.