Shelter Veterinary Technician - Shelter Medicine

SPCA Florida•Lakeland, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

SPCA Florida is dedicated to enhancing the lives of animals and is committed to the highest standards of veterinary care, animal welfare, and professional ethics. As a no-kill shelter, we are growing our team of Veterinary Shelter Technicians who focus on providing exceptional medical care to our shelter animals— without client appointments. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated, results-oriented team that values collaboration, open communication, accountability, and a positive workplace culture. We believe in leveraging one another’s strengths, solving problems together, and creating an environment where the work is both meaningful and rewarding. We take our mission seriously by providing excellent, life-saving care to some of the most vulnerable dogs and cats in our community. Our vision is a humane community where pets and people thrive together. Why You’ll Love A Career in Shelter Medicine: Diverse Experiences: Work with a wide variety of medical cases and animals, each with unique medical, behavioral, and environmental needs. No two days are exactly alike. Team Impact: Be part of a collaborative team supporting SPCA Florida’s shelter animals and making a meaningful difference in their lives. Our high-performing team looks forward to solving problems together, achieving goals together, and having fun along the way. Continuous Growth: Build your expertise in shelter medicine, animal welfare regulations, medical procedures, and the latest approaches to veterinary care. At SPCA Florida, your passion for veterinary medicine and compassion for animals are matched by our commitment to your professional growth. Purposeful Work: Help ensure the ethical and humane treatment of shelter animals while providing the medical care they need to heal, thrive, and find their forever homes. Work-Life Balance: Veterinary medicine may be your calling, but we believe you should also have a fulfilling life outside of work. Our schedule and benefits are designed to support both your career and your personal well-being. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with advanced technology, including digital radiology, ultrasonography, an in-house laboratory provided by IDEXX, and a dental suite with digital dental radiology, among other tools.

Requirements

Strong foundation in general veterinary medicine
Relevant experience
Genuine commitment to animal care
Confident, conscientious, dependable
Comfortable working as part of a collaborative and motivated team
Genuine interest in animal welfare
Calm and approachable demeanor
Willingness to contribute across the full range of shelter veterinary technician duties
Excellent communication skills
Strong attention to detail
Ability to remain focused, organized, and adaptable in a fast-paced shelter environment
Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program
Strong knowledge of veterinary nursing and patient care
Comfortable handling dogs and cats of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
Compassionate, patient, and professional approach to animal care
Commitment to humane treatment and high standards of veterinary care

Nice To Haves

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) preferred
Experience in general veterinary medicine preferred
Shelter medicine or animal welfare experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Monitor the health and well-being of shelter animals through daily medical rounds
Follow up on reported medical concerns received verbally, by email, or through established medical communication systems
Identify and communicate changes in an animal’s condition to the appropriate veterinary team member
Administer medications and vaccines according to established shelter protocols and veterinary direction
Check in new animals through the shelter’s medical intake process
Perform and document routine medical treatments and procedures
Assist veterinarians during surgery, including patient preparation, anesthesia monitoring, and recovery
Assist with surgical and medical procedures as directed by the veterinarian
Monitor patients before, during, and after procedures
Maintain accurate medical records and documentation
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and appropriate inventory of medical treatment and surgical areas
Communicate questions, concerns, and medical updates to veterinary and shelter team members
Respond to questions and concerns from staff, volunteers, adopters, and fosters by phone, email, and in person in a timely and professional manner
Work collaboratively with shelter and veterinary staff to support the overall health and welfare of the animals
Follow established medical protocols, safety procedures, and animal welfare standards
Assist with other shelter medical duties as needed

Benefits

Competitive hourly pay based on experience
403(b) Retirement Plan
Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off: Ten (10) days / 80 hours after 60 days of employment during your first year
Health Insurance: SPCA Florida contributes approximately 75% of the premium
Dental and Vision Insurance
$30,000 Employer-Paid Life Insurance at no cost to you
Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities
Professional Development and Continuing Education Opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Bereavement Leave: Including up to three (3) paid days
Up to 40 Hours of Paid Jury Duty Leave
Generous Personal Pet Care Discounts
A positive, collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven workplace culture
A family-like team passionate about helping animals and serving our community
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them
The opportunity to directly support SPCA Florida’s mission of saving as many animal lives as possible