Shelter Veterinary Technician

SPCA Florida; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance (SPCA Florida covers~

Job summary

SPCA Florida is seeking a Veterinary Technician to join a dedicated, mission-driven team delivering life-saving care to homeless dogs and cats in our community. You will work in a state-of-the-art shelter environment, collaborating with veterinarians and staff to provide high-quality medical care and compassionate support.

Responsibilities include monitoring animal health through daily rounds, administering medications and vaccines, assisting during surgeries, and engaging with adopters and

Qualifications

• CVT/VT credential preferred but not required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the health of the shelter animals via daily rounds.
• Follow up on reported medical issues using current standards and protocols.
• Administer medications and vaccines per shelter protocols.
• Check in new animals through the medical intake process.
• Assist the veterinarian during surgery hours (prep, anesthesia monitoring, or recovery).
• Answer questions from team, volunteers, adopters, and fosters promptly.

Skills

Strong foundation in veterinary care

Excellent communication skills

Calm, approachable demeanor

Education

CVT or AVMA-accredited program

Job description

This is an opportunity to be part of a dedicated, results-oriented team that values collaboration, open communication, and a positive workplace culture. We strive to leverage one another’s strengths and create an environment where the work is both meaningful and rewarding.

We take our mission seriously by delivering excellent, life-saving care to the most vulnerable dogs and cats in our community. Our vision is a humane community where pets and people thrive together.

Why You’ll Love A Career in Shelter Medicine

• Diverse Experiences: Work with a variety of caseloads, each with unique medical, behavioral, and environmental needs, keeping everyday exciting.
• Team Impact: Be part of a collaborative team supporting SPCA Florida’s Shelter of Animals and make a real difference in animal welfare and our animals’ lives. Our high-performing team looks forward to solving problems together, winning together, and having fun together.
• Continuous Growth: Gain expertise in animal welfare regulations, cutting-edge medical techniques, and the latest in medical animal care. At SPCA Florida, your passion for medicine and compassion for animals are matched with a commitment to your professional growth.
• Purposeful Work: Your role ensures the ethical and humane treatment of our animals while saving their lives and finding the perfect forever homes.
• Work-life Balance: We are committed to offering a benefits package that supports your life and well-being. Just because veterinary medicine is your calling in life doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a life outside of your job.

Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced technology, including digital radiology, ultrasonography, an in-house laboratory provided by IDEXX, and a dental suite with digital dental radiology, among other tools.

What's In It for You?

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Ten (10) days (80 hours) of Paid Time Off after 60 days of employment during your first year
• Health Insurance with SPCA Florida contributes approximately 75% of the premium
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• $30,000 of employer-paid Life Insurance at no cost to you
• Opportunities for career growth, advancement, and professional development
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) because we recognize that animal welfare can be both emotionally and mentally demanding, and we are committed to supporting your well-being
• Bereavement Leave, including up to three (3) paid days to allow time for healing and supporting loved ones
• Up to 40 hours of paid Jury Duty leave
• Continuing Education opportunities to help you grow in your career
• No weekend work, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them
• The chance to support SPCA Florida's mission of saving as many animal lives as possible
• A positive, collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven workplace culture
• An amazing family-like team that is passionate about helping animals and serving the community

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a Veterinary Technician with a strong foundation in general veterinary medicine, experience, and a commitment to animal care. The ideal candidate will be confident, conscientious, and keen to work as part of a collaborative and motivated team. A genuine interest in animal welfare is essential, as is a calm, approachable demeanor, and a willingness to get involved across the full range of shelter technician duties. You’ll also need to bring excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay focused and organized, especially when the day gets busy.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• CVT Graduate from an AVMA–accredited program (not required)

What You Will Get to Do:

• Monitor the health of the shelter animals via daily rounds
• Follow-up on reported medical issues (verbal, email, and via clipboard), using currently implemented standards and protocols
• Administer medications and vaccines per our shelter protocols
• Check in new animals through our medical intake process
• Assist the veterinarian during surgery hours (potentially prep, anesthesia monitoring, or recovery)
• Field questions and concerns daily with team members, volunteers, adopters, fosters, etc. via phone, email, and in-person in a timely and professional manner

The shelter medicine field is extremely rewarding, and we are hoping to find a positive, highly self-motivated, team player, creative, kind, and organized individual to be a part of our team and help make a difference. If you are a veterinary technician who enjoys shelter medicine and working with a dynamic team to save lives,

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace, and we conduct background checks.