Job Summary: 

The PAWS Chicago Medical Center provides medical care for internal homeless pet patients on their journey from intake to adoption. The Medical Center works closely with other animal welfare organizations such as Chicago Animal Care & Control and with out-of-state shelters by providing assistance for disaster relief rescue. The Veterinary Technician plays a critical role in the medical care of the animals at PAWS Chicago. They work closely with the Shelter Medicine Veterinarians to ensure that each animal receives the highest quality of care, maintain efficient patient flow, and the well-being of the shelters population. Our Veterinary Technicians are given the opportunity for skill development and continuing education. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provides technical assistance to shelter veterinarians and communicates changes in patient condition, results of diagnostic tests and patient well-being.
• Provides quality care to pets of all life stages from neonates to seniors including emergency and intensive care as required.
• Evaluates animals for disease, injuries, parasites and other possible health concerns and reports to Shelter Medicine Veterinarians.
• Collects samples for and conducts laboratory tests; including fecal examinations, in-house blood work, platelet counts, cytology’s, urinalysis, etc.
• Assists Shelter Medicine Veterinarians in medical exams; involves but is not limited to restraint, microchipping, blood draws, etc.
• Vaccinates and administers preventatives as needed.
• Prepares medication and administers treatments as prescribed.
• Place and maintain IV catheters.
• Perform digital radiographs.
• Maintain a disease-free or contained environment to ensure the health of the whole population.
• Operates medical equipment and instruments, laboratory equipment and diagnostic instruments, etc. and exercises care and safety in the use and maintenance of the equipment.
• Helps to ensure that medical records are complete and accurate.
• Acts as a mentor for externs and proactively utilizes volunteers.
• Performs quality control of shelter technical services such as disinfection procedures, in-house diagnostic equipment.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Requirements: 

• Certified Veterinary Technician (preferred)
• Has a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a veterinary technician
• Passion for animals and animal welfare
• Medical knowledge including nursing care, disease symptoms and transmission, neonatal care, animal restraint, blood draws, IV catheter placement, and treatment administration
• Knowledge of prescription medications, procedures and processes
• Ability to be flexible, work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, and work in a fast paced, dynamic, collaborative team environment
• Basic computer skills 

Physical Requirements  

• Climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting and grasping 
• Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another 
• Able to lift 40lbs occasionally, 10lbs frequently and a negligible amount constantly