Veterinary Technician - Animal Care Center

Lakefield Veterinary Group; Baxter (MN); On-site; USD 24,796 - 31,684; Full time

Job summary

Lakefield Veterinary Group is looking for a dedicated Veterinary Technician to join our team in Baxter, MN. This position involves assisting Veterinarians in diagnosing and treating pets, while ensuring quality care and excellent service. The role is crucial to our collaborative environment, providing the opportunity to make a difference in animal healthcare.

We offer a flexible schedule with competitive compensation ranging from $18 to $23 per hour, based on experience. Join us to help promote our values of Respect, Learning, and Compassion while ensuring a high standard of medical care for our patients.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of veterinary hospital practices and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of medical equipment and terminology.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting and standing for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Veterinarian in diagnosing and treating pets.
• Obtain patient medical history and perform evaluations.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and perform laboratory tests.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Ability to handle sensitive information

Attention to detail

Client interaction

Basic computer proficiency

Education

Associate’s Degree in veterinary technology

Tools

Veterinary medical equipment

Microsoft Office

Job description

Veterinary Technician - Animal Care Center

Veterinary Technician – Baxter, MN

Join an Award-Winning Team in the Beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area. Voted Best Veterinary Clinic and Grooming Facility in the Area, Animal Care Center is seeking a full-time or part-time Veterinary Technician to join our collaborative, patient-focused three-doctor team in Baxter, Minnesota.

Our hospital is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no regular evening, weekend, or holiday shifts. Full‑time team members enjoy a four- or five-day work week, along with a full one-hour lunch break each shift.

Optional after‑hours emergency on‑call program is available, with on‑call hours run from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekends. On‑call hours receive a stipend plus a minimum of two hours of time‑and‑half pay whenever called into the hospital.

Compensation: $18–$23 per hour, based on experience

This position will assist the Veterinarian in diagnosing and treating pets in a small practice. The duties and responsibilities described here are not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on the location.

What You’ll Do (Essential Functions)

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun
• Provide professional, efficient, quality medical care and exceptional service to clients while maintaining maximum productivity
• Obtain patient medical history from the client and referring veterinarians as needed
• Perform initial evaluation of pet’s condition, collect information from client, observe pet's behavior, and check vital statistics
• Complete preparatory procedures and assist the Veterinarian throughout the rest of the examination, diagnosis, procedures, and treatment phases
• Restrain pets during exams as needed
• Create and maintain patient medical records and documentation
• Obtain and prepare various samples including blood, urine, and fecal samples for diagnostic testing
• Perform laboratory tests on samples and update the patient’s medical chart
• Educate clients about pet health needs, nutrition, and preventative care
• Perform X-rays and provide results to the Veterinarian
• Fill prescriptions under the direction of a Veterinarian
• Administer injections, vaccines, and medication with supervision and under the direction of a Veterinarian
• Perform dental prophylaxis, venipunctures, catheterization, and other procedures under supervision of a Veterinarian
• Prepare patient, medications, and equipment for surgery
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensures the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient health care to pets
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, and minimum standards of care
• Perform other duties or projects as requested

What We’re Looking For (Essential Qualifications)

Education: Associate’s Degree from a two-year veterinary technology program with accreditation from the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA).

Professional Licenses/Certifications

• Licensing requirements for Veterinary Technicians vary by state
• Successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Examination (administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) when required by the state)
• State-recognized veterinary technician certification (CVT, LVT, or RVT) with credential in good standing required

Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• Knowledge of veterinary hospital practices and procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities
• Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner
• Basic knowledge of the generic and brand names, common uses, and side effects of drugs utilized in a veterinary practice
• Basic knowledge of medical equipment and terminology
• Basic proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Practice Management software (PIMS)
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer-oriented approach
• Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. The team member must frequently use a computer for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities are required to do this job, including close vision. This position requires walking and/or standing for long periods of time, bending, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions. Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. unassisted, 75 lbs. with assistance. Working environment may be stressful with aggressive, frightened, abused or injured pets that may bite or scratch. Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Lakefield Veterinary Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members and applicants.

Our Values

• Respect
• Learning
• Do the Right Thing
• Wow Service
• Fun