Title: Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Division: Operations - Veterinary Staff
Supervisor: Clinic Senior Manager
Supervises: Veterinary Assistants, Students and Volunteers as assigned
Job Summary:
The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) provides high-quality medical and surgical support to the Veterinary Care Department. This position plays a critical role in daily animal care by performing technical duties, ensuring adherence to shelter medicine protocols, and maintaining smooth clinical operations. The RVT works closely with veterinarians, the Clinic Senior Manager, and veterinary assistants to promote positive outcomes for shelter animals while supporting efficiency and consistency in medical services.
Responsibilities:
Animal Care & Treatment
Perform medical treatments, diagnostic tests, laboratory procedures, and administer medications under the direction of the veterinarian.
Assist in anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery during surgical procedures.
Ensure accurate, timely documentation of all medical treatments and observations in shelter software.
Provide humane handling, restraint, and care of animals during exams, procedures, and treatments.
Identify and report changes in animal health or behavior to veterinarians and the Clinic Senior Manager.
Clinic & Intake Support
Assist in daily animal intake exams, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and other preventive care.
Support clinic flow by preparing animals and equipment for exams, treatments, and surgeries.
Participate in maintaining cleanliness, order, and proper sanitation in clinic and intake areas.
Help ensure timely completion of exams, treatments, and procedures to move animals efficiently through shelter pathways.
Surgical Support
Prepare animals, equipment, and surgical areas for procedures.
Perform surgical prep including clipping, scrubbing, and IV catheter placement.
Monitor anesthesia and provide supportive care during surgery and recovery.
Maintain surgical instruments, packs, and autoclave processes.
Inventory & Equipment
Assist the Clinic Senior Manager in monitoring and maintaining medical supplies, drugs, and equipment.
Report shortages or equipment issues promptly.
Staff & Volunteer Support
Mentor and support veterinary assistants, technicians-in-training, and volunteers by demonstrating proper handling, medical techniques, and best practices.
Provide feedback to the Clinic Senior Manager regarding staff performance and clinic needs.
Contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment.
Euthanasia & Post-Adoption Care
Perform humane euthanasia as a Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician (CAET), in accordance with shelter policy.
Assist with post-adoption appointments, rechecks, and follow-up care as directed.
Knowledge and Skills Required:
Active Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license in Louisiana.
Active Certified Animal Euthanasia Technician (CAET) license or willingness to obtain within 6 months.
2+ years of veterinary field experience; shelter experience preferred.
Strong technical skills in anesthesia, surgical prep, dentistry, diagnostics, and animal handling.
Knowledge of shelter medicine principles, infectious disease control, and industry best practices.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
Ability to perform well under stress in a fast-paced, emotionally challenging environment.
Computer literacy and comfort with medical record-keeping software.
Emotional and Mental Requirements:
Remain calm and professional in stressful or emotionally charged situations.
Show compassion and empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.
Exhibit flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork in a constantly changing environment.
Ability to communicate with a wide range of individuals including staff, volunteers, and the public.
Physical Demands:
The work is performed in the surgery unit, intake office, intake bay, kennels and surrounding areas. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 40 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects
This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
Employee Classification: non-exempt employee
Please email your resume to operations@caabr.org
