Veterinary Technician

WSAVT; Pasco (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid position

Hands-on veterinary experience

Team‑oriented environment

Job summary

Pet Overpopulation Prevention (POPP) in Washington State seeks a Licensed Veterinary Technician to join our high-volume spay/neuter clinic. You will support veterinarians with medical procedures, anesthesia, and patient care, ensuring health, safety, and compassionate service for every animal.

This paid position emphasizes teamwork, on-the-job growth, and professional development while helping reduce pet overpopulation in the community.

Qualifications

• Maintain licensure in Washington as a Licensed Veterinary Technician.
• Speak fluent English (Spanish desirable).
• Handle 35+ animals per day and maintain safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with medical procedures and anesthesia.
• Handle and track controlled substances for surgical patients.
• Maintain sterile surgical conditions and equipment.
• Communicate professionally with clients, volunteers, and staff.
• Train veterinary assistants and new staff to follow care protocols.

Skills

Licensed Veterinary Technician

English fluency

Animal handling

Safety protocols

Education

Washington State LVT license

Job description

Join Pet Overpopulation Prevention (POPP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our community through compassionate veterinary care and spay/neuter services. As a Veterinary Technician, you will play an important role in supporting our mission by providing quality patient care, assisting veterinarians with medical procedures, and helping ensure the health, safety, and well-being of every animal in our care. This position offers an opportunity to be part of a passionate, animal-focused team committed to reducing pet overpopulation and making a lasting difference in the lives of pets and the families who love them. If you are dedicated to animal welfare and want your skills to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to join the POPP team!

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Handle and track controlled substances for large volumes of surgical patients
• Efficiently pre-medicate, induce and intubate any patients as necessary
• Monitor anesthesia, with the ability to identify abnormal conditions
• Communicate effectively and professionally with the public, volunteers, and staff
• Follow all written and verbally communicated operating procedures and protocols
• Communicate with clients to effectively intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a knowledgeable and respectful manner
• Train veterinary assistants, new staff members, and volunteers to utilize outpatient care protocols
• Respond appropriately during an emergency by implementing the doctor’s instructions including CPR
• Maintain sterile surgical conditions and assist the doctor with surgery when appropriate
• Maintain surgical instruments, anesthesia machines, autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaner and other instruments as needed
• Prepare surgical packs for spay/neuter procedures
• Follow protocols to protect self and co-workers from exposure to sharps, chemicals, and cleaning solutions at all times
• Display a positive work attitude and coordinate with clinic staff and volunteers to maintain surgical flow
• Perform all veterinary technician job functions listed below and assigned by the doctor

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Maintain licensure in Washington as a Licensed Veterinary Technician
• Speak fluent English (Spanish too is desirable)
• Display knowledge of basic veterinary medical concepts, including vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
• Willingness to handle 35 or more cats and dogs per day
• Be familiar with or be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior and the use of safety equipment
• Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
• Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures
• Must be able to work efficiently and effectively under stressful conditions
• Must possess physical strength and mobility adequate to work standing with lifting, bending, and kneeling repeatedly
• Must possess an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers and have good vision
• Must be able to cope with death due to surgical complications or euthanasia
• Possess the ability to work independently and as part of our team

Preferred Qualifications

A preferred candidate is licensed as a veterinary technician in Washington state and has two or more years of experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, and/or animal shelter or control facility. Candidates should be highly motivated and enthusiastically support POPP’s mission to reduce animal suffering and pet overpopulation.

The office and operations of our high-volume spay/neuter clinic can be very busy at times. This position is 4 days/week, 24 hour/week minimum. On occasion, additional hours may be required up to 40 hours/week. The POPP clinic is currently open Monday-Thursday. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and maintain a professional attitude.

At Pet Overpopulation Prevention (POPP), we are passionate about improving the lives of animals through compassionate veterinary care and accessible spay/neuter services. We value teamwork, continued learning, and creating a supportive environment where every team member can make a difference. Join our dedicated team and gain hands‑on experience while developing your veterinary skills, supporting essential medical procedures, and helping provide safe, quality care for the animals we serve. This paid position offers an opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to POPP’s mission of reducing pet overpopulation and promoting healthier, happier lives for pets in our community.