Certified Veterinary Technician

Petco•Avondale, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Veterinary Technician provides veterinary care to patients at a Vetco Total Care full-service hospital and customer care to their owners. The technician represents Petco’s mission and values, supports the technical and customer service team, and helps foster a cohesive, motivated hospital team. Patient needs come first, and team members are expected to contribute to an exceptional patient and customer experience, resolve issues promptly, and work toward shared goals. The role includes assisting veterinarians with routine and emergency appointments, surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia; obtaining patient histories, weights, vital signs, and other visit information; handling and processing samples; supporting anesthesia and recovery; administering treatments as directed; and maintaining patient records. The technician also communicates with clients, helps manage appointments and inventory, supports hospital operations, and keeps the hospital clean and orderly. The position works primarily in a Vetco Total Care full-service hospital and involves frequent direct contact with clients and pets. It requires bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and standing for extended periods. The technician receives direct supervision on patient-care activities from veterinarians and the Hospital Office Manager or Hospital Leader on Duty. For overall supervision, the role takes direction from the Hospital Office Manager. This position has no immediate supervisory duties.

Requirements

Completed college or college-equivalent education required to become a Credentialed Veterinary Technician in the state where the hospital is located.
At least one year of previous experience as a Veterinary Technician or working in a veterinary practice.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Compassionate and sympathetic, with the ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.
Telephone and computer skills.
Ability to work as a team player, learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Responsibilities

Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments or walk-ins, escort them to an exam room, obtain weight and vital signs, and record the information in the electronic medical record.
Obtain and record thorough patient histories and begin documentation of patient visits in the electronic medical record.
Assist veterinarians with routine and emergency appointments, surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia.
Restrain patients, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications as directed by a veterinarian, and maintain electronic medical records.
Schedule appointments, communicate with and educate clients, relay test results to doctors and clients, maintain and update inventory and records, and manage accounts receivable.
Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures; support induction and monitor anesthetized patients, including checking and recording vital parameters under veterinary direction.
Monitor patients during recovery and prepare them for discharge to their owners or transfer to an overnight care facility as needed.
Provide in-hospital treatments for sick patients, including injectable and oral medications and intravenous therapies.
Keep patients clean, watered, and fed when indicated and directed by a veterinarian, and safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.
Participate in training new staff members and sharing knowledge as required.
Keep the hospital environment neat and clean through regular cleaning and scheduled maintenance.
Perform additional duties as assigned and provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.