Registered Veterinary Technician – Animal Health Coordinator

Description

As the Animal Health Coordinator, you will play a key role in supporting the health and welfare of all animals in care. Reporting to the Sanctuary Manager and working in collaboration with our veterinarian(s), you will be responsible for:

General Duties (75%) include but are not limited to:

– Develop, coordinate and implement medical care plans for animals in care and residing within the sanctuary, in collaboration with the Sanctuary Manager and CEO

– Facilitate professional and concise communication with Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) to report changes in animal status, obtain approvals for care plans, and arrange off-site referral care in coordination with the Sanctuary Manager and CEO

– Perform routine health assessments and facilitate treatments

– Accurately create and maintain medical records in ShelterLuv, ensuring appropriate follow-up care tasks are assigned and tracked

– Organize and maintain an accurate inventory of veterinary supplies; obtain approval for orders and ensure timely re-stocking

– Assist veterinarian(s) with procedures and provide excellent post-treatment care

– Uphold high standards of biosecurity and maintain cleanliness throughout all medical and general areas

– Prioritize and efficiently complete daily and recurring tasks in a timely manner

– Transport animals to and from off-site specialist and referral appointments

– Facilitate daily communication with the animal care team and management regarding the health status of animals in care, as well as any issues or concerns that arise

– Perform in-house ear swabs, blood draws, SNAP testing and cystocentesis where required

– Perform in-house vaccination, where required

– Submit specimens for the appropriate lab testing(s) and review lab results

– Assist in assessing animals for adoptability and provide socialization and enrichment plans

– Support our charity partner, Dorset Rescue Kittens, by providing relevant information and ongoing care plans for medically complex adoptable animals

Supporting Duties (25%) include but are not limited to:

– Maintain regular communication with management to ensure the health status of animals in care is clearly understood and up-to-date

– Support the training of sanctuary staff in basic animal health and first aid procedures

– Provide fear-free restraint of animals for hands-on exams, and provide training of proper restraint techniques to animal care staff where required

– Actively participate in team meetings, training and staff discussions, offering support and constructive feedback to team members and management

– Act as a mentor and support for the DAS team

– Participate in health and safety initiatives and inspections, while ensuring compliance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act

Work: We are seeking a dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our team as the Animal Health Coordinator. This is a physically demanding, hands-on role that requires commitment to high standards of animal care in all weather conditions. Work will be performed both indoors and outdoors, year round. Dogwood Animal Sanctuary operates 7-days a week, 365 days a year. The chosen candidate will work on a schedule of either: four(4), ten (10) hour shifts or five (5), eight (8) hour shifts each week.

Education:

– Current registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) through the OVAT

– Successful completion of the VTNE

– Completion of a post-secondary animal care and/or welfare specific program is required

– Fear-Free animal handling certification is considered an asset

Experience

– A minimum of two (2) consecutive years employed as a Registered Veterinary Technician is required

– Experience and comfort performing intravenous blood draws from cats of various temperaments is required

– Experience conducting head-to-toe animal physical exams is required

– Experience preparing and reporting ear and skin cytology is required

– Experience preparing various laboratory samples for submission and analysis (e.x. blood, bacteriology, fine needle aspirates etc.) is required

– Experience working in an affordable-care clinic, humane society or shelter environment is required

– Experience attending to animals of various species including small companion animals and livestock breeds is required

– Experience in physically demanding roles, such as farm work or similar labour-intensive positions, is considered an asset

– Possession of a G-class driver’s license and clean Drivers Abstract is required

– A high degree of comfort with technology including IDEXX software, Google Suite and Chrome OS is preferred

– Experience with data entry and/or clinic management software is required

– Experience in the creation (data input), review and presentation of medical records is required

– Previous work experience leading a team or role(s) in a leadership position is preferred

Benefits after successful completion of 3-month probationary period:

– Optional participation in Group Health Plan

– Reimbursement of OAVT dues

– $250 annual spending allowance for Continuing Education

The role of Animal Health Coordinator, RVT with Dogwood Animal Sanctuary is dynamic and fast-paced. Prospective employees understand that the responsibilities outlined above are a general overview, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.

If you are interested in this position, please email your cover letter and resume to our CEO, Cailey Seymour at dogwoodanimalsanctuary@gmail.com