Licensed Veterinary Technician

ASPCA • New York, NY

18d • $35 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) works in a hybrid capacity supporting the ASPCA Adoption Center and Kitten Nursery, partnering with veterinarians and colleagues to provide high-quality, compassionate nursing care and help animals achieve successful outcomes. The role supports specialized populations that include cruelty and neglect victims, community intakes, underage kittens and medically compromised strays, owner-surrendered animals, and animals transferred from shelter and rescue partners. Care is provided under Adoption Center and Kitten Nursery shelter medicine protocols and low-stress handling principles.

From March through November, the LVT divides time equally between the Adoption Center and Kitten Nursery. Outside kitten season, half of the workweek supports other ASPCA programs in New York City. The Kitten Nursery coordinates medical and behavioral care and foster placements for more than 800 underage kittens annually. The LVT performs and assists with examinations, treatments, diagnostic testing, intake care, sedated exams, and other clinical responsibilities; contributes to decisions about shelter or foster placement; maintains accurate medical records; and collaborates with staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, adopters, and partner teams. The position reports directly to the Adoption Center Senior Manager of Medical Operations and has no direct reports.

This is an on-site position at the ASPCA 92nd Street Adoption Center & Kitten Nursery in New York, NY. Regular shifts vary between 8 and 10 hours. The expected hiring range is $34.60–$40.00 per hour. The position is eligible for a signing and relocation bonus. Fear Free Shelter and Fear Free Veterinary certification is required within 60 days of hire.

Requirements

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology or a related veterinary science technology field is required; the posting also lists a high school diploma as required.
• New York State veterinary technician licensure is required in the qualifications section; the posting also states eligibility for NYS licensure is required and current NYS licensure is strongly preferred.
• At least 1 year of clinical experience working as a veterinary technician.
• Knowledge of animal care, handling, and disease recognition, and familiarity with veterinary hospital and/or shelter protocols and procedures.
• Ability to appropriately care for and handle fearful, aggressive, or fractious animals and work effectively with a vulnerable population with a naturally higher mortality rate.
• Proficient technical nursing, low-stress animal handling, and restraint skills.
• Critical-thinking, multitasking, organizational, and diligence skills; ability to adjust focus and priorities quickly according to patient and program needs.
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team, including under challenging conditions and with flexible assignments.
• Willingness to learn, implement, and teach new protocols and maintain high standards of care, work ethic, and performance.
• Strong communication and customer service skills, including courteous in-person, telephone, and email communication; professionalism in stressful, urgent, and time-sensitive situations.
• Basic computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and email.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and to walk, bend, stand, and reach throughout an 8-hour workday and consistently for 10 or more hours.
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA core values and behavioral competencies.
• Fear Free Shelter and Fear Free Veterinary certification required within 60 days of hire.
• English language proficiency required.
• Eligibility for certification as a euthanasia technician in New York State.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a shelter setting.
• Training and/or experience caring for neonate and orphaned kittens.
• Familiarity with Pet Point or other shelter software systems.
• Current New York State veterinary technician licensure is strongly preferred.
• The posting lists 1–3 years of veterinary hospital and/or shelter experience as preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, compassionate environment for animals, staff, and clients using low-stress handling techniques.
• Deliver nursing care and perform technical procedures, including venipuncture, catheter placement, medication administration, diagnostic testing, triage, and basic examinations.
• Perform examinations and provide clinical care for healthy and medically compromised animals on-site and in foster care, including primary responsibility for initial intakes.
• Assess animal needs and help determine appropriate shelter or foster placement based on age, health, and behavior.
• Handle, administer, and log controlled substances under veterinarian direction and according to protocols.
• Feed and medicate patients according to veterinarian instructions and standard operating procedures; assist with bottle, syringe, and tube feeding and kitten development transitions.
• Coordinate, assist with, or perform humane euthanasia under staff veterinarian supervision.
• Follow protocols to prevent infectious disease and assist with cleaning and disinfection as requested.
• Support other NYC ASPCA departments during the Kitten Nursery off-season, including the ASPCA Animal Hospital, Animal Recovery Center, Community Medicine, and Community Engagement.
• Coordinate and perform sedated examinations and perform DOH exit examinations.
• Enter and maintain accurate, timely medical records, including information from other ASPCA systems and outside laboratory results.
• Document observations and relevant information in accordance with ASPCA policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Explain animal conditions clearly and compassionately to staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, and adopters.
• Attend and participate in daily rounds and round medical charts.
• Provide input on operational changes and learn, implement, and follow departmental policies and protocols.
• Keep exam rooms and medical work areas clean, orderly, stocked, and ready for use; take inventory and replenish supplies.
• Follow personal protective equipment and cleaning protocols and comply with OSHA requirements.
• Obtain continuing education as required by the ASPCA and state licensing board.
• Train and oversee volunteers and support staff.

Benefits

• Affordable medical coverage, employer-paid dental coverage, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time off, including vacation, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company-paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
• 401(k) plan with dollar-for-dollar employer matching up to 4% and an additional 4% employer contribution each year.
• Professional development through classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship, internal mobility, and opportunities to support work in the field.
• Signing bonus.
• Relocation bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree