Veterinary Technician - Pet Resource Center of Kansas City

Here at the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City, we recognize that our team is the foundation of not just our business, but also our way of life. Through consistent growth based on the quality of our customer service and our desire to help, we have the opportunity to welcome a new team member who will join us in the next phase of our exciting journey.

About Us

Since 2002, Pet Resource Center of Kansas City has delivered accessible and affordable veterinary services and pet resources, and has developed a well-earned reputation for being a trusted resource for the Greater Kansas City community. Our contributions to ending pet homelessness and increasing pet retention has helped keep pets off the streets, out of shelters and in homes with the owners who love them.

Position Summary

We’re looking for someone who is energized by the idea of changing lives – both animal and human. A veterinary clinic assistant superstar who loves the idea of interacting with and helping people and pets all day long.

If that is you, then you might be right for our current position as a veterinary clinic assisant, who handles all client pet care by assessing treatment needs, identifying barriers, and providing direct services through customer service excellence, compassion, and assisting in veterinary care.  We continue to operate a drive-through system for the safety and convenience and will serve around 35,000 pets this year. That equates to nearly 200 pets a day. This position is about providing care that is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and client-centered while ensuring the safety of staff, volunteers, clients and pets by monitoring and enforcing processes and procedures of the Pet Resource Center with the goal of ending pet homelessness, increasing pet retention, and improving the quality of life for pets and families.

It’s not easy but you’ll get recognized regularly by clients and staff for your contributions. In addition, you’ll go home every day knowing lives were impacted by the work you did.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned): 

Staff Support Duties: this position is responsible for basic cross-training to develop an understanding of the following departments and varying areas of clinic customer service: Surgery Veterinary Clinic, Front Desk Customer Service, Wellness Care Clinic, Community Engagement and Resources and the Call and Dispatch Center

• Provides compassionate care to patients.  Performs all duties in accordance with clinic policies and procedures. Prepares and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas or vehicle. Assists in physical examinations; records observations on patients.  Assists the veterinarian in medical, surgical and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; assists the doctor in administering anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids. Gives injections and administers oral medications in accordance with hospital policy.  Restrains pets for examinations or treatments. Understands usage and dosage for all prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients. Properly cleans all surgical materials after they are used; keeps the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery. Assists other staff members as required.  Understands and carries out oral and written directions.  

• Responsible for being an exemplary role model in representing and supporting all company core values and customer experience values. Assist individuals with determining services and support to meet their pet’s needs in an effort to prevent pet relinquishment. Educate and promote all services, programs, philosophies, agency mission, policies and procedures to all clients and volunteers. 

• Establish highly effective relationships with volunteers and other staff, support all programs and gain support from clients and community stakeholders. Serve as an educational resource for pet owners and families, answer client questions, service calls, service requests, assistance requests and inquiries thoroughly and promptly. Communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally through varying channels of communication, including but not limited to, email, postal mail, phone conversations and face-to-face dialogue. Relay important medical information to clients with regard to their pet(s), handle medical calls, as needed, and communicate basic veterinary concepts and information relayed by a veterinarian to clients

• Build and maintain an extensive knowledge of community resources and help pet owners make informed decisions by acting as their advocate regarding their pet’s health and wellness needs. Identify barriers, assess client’s needs and provide consultation, support, direct assistance, information, and follow through. Act as a liaison to refer patients/families to veterinary partners and other resources to meet the client’s and pet’s identified needs.

• Actively contribute to reaching goals through completion of tasks, maintaining quality service and patient care standards, and customer experience excellence. Process all daily paperwork, deposits, and other processes essential to field and clinic operations with accuracy and attention to detail. Complete and maintain all necessary and appropriate files, client records, patient records, medical records and follow-ups associated with patient’s treatment accurately, in a timely manner, and in accordance with company policies.

• Assume responsibility for personal growth and development, maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in-service classes.

• Keep all work areas clean and sanitary. Ensure organization compliance with all applicable OSHA, safety, HIPAA and confidentiality regulations. Abide by all federal, state, and local programs. (State of Missouri Department of Agriculture, State of Missouri Veterinary Board, etc.)

• Complete all other delegated tasks as needed.

Ideal Candidate competencies:

• Extensive experience in the veterinary industry and a firm grasp on animal handling 
• Compassion for pets and people!
• High energy and passion for customer service.
• Outgoing personality.
• Ability to work in very high volume and fast-paced environment.
• Confident in decision-making.
• Experience in handling difficult clients or situations with a calm and kind demeanor.
• Although we have a heated/cooled check-in booth, you must be able to work in all types of weather conditions.
• Will be standing for long periods and may be physically demanding. 
• Bilingual a plus!   

Required competencies:

• Baseline animal handling

• Discuss vaccines and protocols with clients and answer questions

• Familiar with Blood-draws techniques and safely restrain for jugular, hind/front leg for 2-150lb animals

• Experience with reading and understanding drug prescriptions and fill

• Understand basic patient recovery and monitoring

• Proper restraining of animals between 2-150

• Familiar with drawing up vaccines and vaccine handling

• Intubate

• Triage trauma

• Assess patient quality of life and valid health options with owners

• Experience with high volume surgery (ideal)

• Proficient in controlled drug log responsibilities

• Willing to train tech assistants

• Have experience with dental cleanings and x-rays

• Be able to monitor anesthesia without doctor present

• Placing IV catheter

• RVT encouraged, not required

Our Offer

• Full time starts based on 5+ years experience $16-18
• Health, dental, vision and life benefits options
• 3 weeks paid annual leave with flexible scheduling ability
• Paid holidays
• 401k
• Monday-Friday Schedule and occasional Saturdays. 
• $500 sign on bonus after 90 days