Position Purpose
The Veterinarian Technician provides excellent veterinary care to patients and delivers exceptional customer support to owners at the Vetco Total Care full‑service hospital. The Technician represents company values to clients, leads technical support, and fosters teamwork.
Essential Job Functions
- Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments or walk‑ins; escort into an exam room; obtain weight and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, pain score, body condition score); record all in the electronic medical record; begin documentation of the patient visit by obtaining and recording a thorough patient history.
- Assist veterinarian with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia; follow direct supervision from the veterinarian(s) and the Hospital Office Manager or Hospital Leader on Duty.
- Perform patient restraint; obtain and process laboratory samples; handle and dispense medications under the veterinarian’s direction; maintain medical records.
- Schedule appointments; communicate with and educate clients; relay test results to the veterinarian and clients; maintain and update inventory, client and patient records; manage accounts receivable.
- Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures; support induction and monitoring of anesthetized patients, including checking and recording vital parameters under veterinarian direction; monitor patients during recovery; prepare them for discharge to owner or transfer to an overnight care facility as needed.
- Provide in‑hospital treatments for sick patients including giving injectable, oral, and intravenous medications; keep patients clean, watered, and fed as directed by the veterinarian; safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.
- Participate in the training of new staff members; disseminate knowledge as required.
- Keep hospital environment neat, clean, and well maintained according to a pre‑determined schedule.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.
Supervisory Responsibility
In all activities related to the care of patients, the Veterinary Technician reports directly to the veterinarians and the Hospital Office Manager or Hospital Leader on Duty; overall direction is from the Hospital Office Manager.
Planning and Problem Solving
The Veterinary Technician ensures efficient day‑to‑day operations of the hospital, providing optimal experience for patients and clients.
Impact
The role contributes to the growth of a productive practice while maintaining a high‑quality standard of care, supporting employee retention, patient well‑being, and customer satisfaction.
Education and Experience
- College or college‑equivalent education completed and credentialed as a Veterinary Technician in the applicable state.
- At least one year of previous experience as a Veterinary Technician or in a veterinary practice.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Compassionate and professional, capable of handling emotional and stressful situations.
- Telephone and computer proficiency.
- Team player willing to learn new techniques, share creative ideas, and adapt to change.
Work Environment
Most duties are performed in the Vetco Total Care hospital. The position involves bending, kneeling, lifting (up to thirty pounds), standing for long periods, and direct contact with clients and their pets.
Contacts
The Technician regularly communicates with clients, veterinary specialists, and vendors providing products or services to the practice.
Salary
Hourly rate ranges from $17.00 to $27.50.
Benefits
Petco offers health, financial benefits, 401k, incentives, and paid time off through the Petco Total Rewards program.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.