Veterinary Technician - Critter Doctor Animal Hospital

Critter Doctor Animal Hospital in Kirkland, WA, is seeking a Full-Time Licensed Veterinary Technician!

Pay: $22-28/hour

Critter Doctor Animal Hospital is a small animal general practice initially founded in the 1980s. Our small but diverse team works together to provide the best care for cats and dogs in our community. We place a high value on teamwork, communication, and efficiency and often enjoy bonding activities outside of work to strengthen these skills. Our team is a happy mix of formally educated professionals who learned on the job.

Joining our team means you will have an opportunity to be trained in all aspects of patient care in the clinic and attend formal continuing education sessions with our partners in the field. We provide basic wellness checks, in-house diagnostic services, routine surgical and dental procedures, and senior pet care. It is important to us that we partner with our clients and our community. We offer free exams for newly adopted pets to promote responsible pet ownership and discounted services for seniors, veterans, and other industry members, making gold-standard care more accessible.

Our clinic is in the heart of the Juanita neighborhood of Kirkland, which offers a beautiful lakeside park, many nearby restaurants, and a large shopping center. This is just a taste of the majestic nature, superb dining, and varied recreation activities throughout the Seattle area!

Job Summary

The Veterinary Technician is a vital member of our veterinary team, pivotal in delivering exceptional veterinary care to animals. This position involves supporting veterinarians to ensure the highest standards of veterinary medicine, educating clients, and delivering compassionate patient care.

Key Responsibilities

Main Accountabilities:

• Assist in the examination, treatment, and monitoring of animals under the supervision of a veterinarian. Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed. Monitor vital signs, collect samples for laboratory analysis, and perform diagnostic tests
• Prepare and analyze laboratory samples such as blood, urine, and feces. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment. Perform diagnostic tests, interpret results, and record findings accurately in patient records
• Prepare surgical suites, instruments, and patients for surgery. Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures by providing appropriate equipment and medications, monitoring anesthesia, and providing post-operative care
• Educate clients about Wellness Plans, animal care, nutrition, medication administration, and disease prevention
• Maintain thorough and accurate medical charting for all patients, consistently meeting hospital quality control standards
• Ensure the proper maintenance and functioning of hospital equipment to support patient care
• Assist in managing hospital supplies, including inventory tracking and restocking as necessary
• Contribute to the day-to-day flow and efficiency of the hospital, collaborating with team members to optimize operations
• Act as an advocate for the overall success and performance of the hospital
• Perform select reception duties, such as triaging phone calls, scheduling appointments, and facilitating the intake and discharge of patients

Customer Service Delivery:

• Consistently provide professional, efficient, and exceptional service
• Demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills when interacting with the veterinary team and clients
• Effectively adapt to individual clients and their needs
• Effectively resolve customer complaints as appropriate

Other:

• Adhere to OSHA standards and regulations as outlined in company policies
• Ability to perform other job duties as assigned

Required Skills and Knowledge

Ability to:

• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine through ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain certification and improve knowledge and skills
• Work independently and exercise good judgment
• Multi-task effectively
• Complete work, maintaining a high level of accuracy while managing constant interruptions
• Remain action-oriented and effectively set priorities
• Work well in an extremely fast-paced work environment, remaining calm and resilient
• Exhibit proactive initiative in addressing tasks and challenges as they arise
• Learn new computer software systems (EMR, Scheduling, etc.)
• Provide a high level of accountability

Experience/Knowledge in:

• Handling and restraining dogs, cats, and exotic animals
• Providing basic animal care, such as feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness
• Knowledge of and experience with common veterinary medical procedures, including surgery, dentistry, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, and anesthesia management
• Familiarity with veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations used in patient records and communication
• Understanding of veterinary medications, including dosage calculations, drug interactions, and administration methods

Demonstrates:

• Strong customer service focus while effectively adapting to individual clients and their needs
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a variety of emotional situations – remaining empathetic, compassionate, and approachable

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent associate degree a plus!
• Must have and maintain a valid certification, registration, or licensing. CVT, RVT, or LVT (state specific)
• 1+ years of veterinary hospital experience

Work Location, Environment, and Physical Requirements

• The Vet Technician position is performed onsite at our hospital or an approved offsite event location. Remote work is not available for this position
• Hospital environment includes limited space, smells from pet waste, and noise (barking, etc.)
• Schedules may include 10+ hour shifts, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays
• Good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity with the ability to reach and grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment, and read information
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds
• Able to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb
• May routinely be exposed to pets that may bite or scratch, biological hazards, anesthesia medications (smells), radiation if near an Xray machine, prescription medications, including controlled substances

Additional Information

Our hospital is part of the WellHaven Pet Health (“WellHaven”) network of hospitals. This allows us to have a more extensive and stronger support system, connecting with other hospitals in the area while remaining autonomous.

WellHaven helps veterinarians, and their teams succeed both personally and professionally. We value our medical teams and strive to support each team member each and every day. Our focus on personal growth, practice support, and life balance frame the relationship we want to have with our hospital teams. This people-first approach has made a considerable difference in the lives of our teams, clients, pets, our communities, and the health of our hospitals.

We’ve been recognized in Inc. Magazine for making a difference in our community and in Forbes for being named one of America's Best Startup Employers. It is an exciting time to be part of the WellHaven team and an excellent time for you to consider joining us!

Please learn more about WellHaven at www.wellhaven.com.

WellHaven Benefits

WellHaven offers competitive pay and an excellent benefits package.

Please review our benefits package at: https://wellhaven.com/wellhaven-employment-benefits/

Commitment to Diversity

WellHaven is an Equal Opportunity Employer. WellHaven is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and/or local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including transgender status), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, age, military or veteran status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other status protected by law.

In accordance with federal, state, and local law, WellHaven may provide reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of applicants during the hiring process unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on WellHaven. For more information, please contact WellHaven HR at HR@wellhaven.com.