General Description:
The aim of this practice is to promote a friendly and professional environment where emphasis is placed on quality medical care, client education and teamwork. The pet care technician is an important and challenging position. Because you interact with both clients and their pets it is important for you to maintain a professional attitude and appearance. Your job is demanding and rewarding, but frequently stressful. Whatever the circumstances, it is your duty to project the competence and empathy that is fundamental to our practice philosophy.
The pet care technician takes care of the everyday needs of the patients in the hospital and in the hospital’s boarding facility. The pet care technician is also responsible for presenting a clean and odor-free hospital to clients and for maintaining the germ-free status of the hospital. The pet care technician must enjoy taking care of animals.
Functions:
• Provide compassionate care to animals
• Clean cages, runs and grooming areas daily
• Provide clean litter boxes
• Collect urine and fecal specimens as requested
• Feed hospitalized and boarding animals as directed
• Follow special feeding/cleaning/care procedures as needed
• Administer proper medications to patients as directed
• Record and report important information about animals’ conditions
• Take incoming animals to appropriate areas
• Exercise animals
• Prepare animals for dismissal, for example, bathing or brushing
• Do laundry
• Maintain storage areas, parking lot, lawn areas
• Assist doctors and technicians with animal restraint
• Wash dishes and maintain kitchen/lounge areas
• Deep cleaning of entire hospital and grounds per procedure manual
• Weekly cleaning of counters and furniture per procedure manual
• Daily cleaning of all floors
• Weekly cleaning of walls, windows and vents per procedure manual
• Clean outside entrances, sweep walkways and pick up parking area
• Empty trash receptacles daily
• Replenish paper supply dispensers
• Clean heating and air-conditioning filters weekly
• Perform other duties as assigned
Controls Over Work:
The pet care technician works under the supervision of the doctor, manager and head technician, who indicates general assignments, limitations and priorities. You will perform recurring assignments independently. You must refer deviations or unfamiliar situations to the head technician, veterinarian or a manager if the head technician is unavailable. Your completed work will be reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
Skills and Knowledge:
• Knowledge of hospital procedures and operating instructions for the care and maintenance of the patients, recording of medical data, and relaying information regarding patient’s condition to veterinarians and technicians.
• Knowledge of hospital standards and procedures for building and grounds maintenance.
• Personal contacts are with animal owners, visitors and other staff members. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required.
• Knowledge of proper vaccine administration.
• Knowledge of overall animal handling procedures.
Physical Effort:
Work often requires lifting and carrying animals, which weigh in excess of 100 lbs. (Employees will be assisted by other staff members in working with larger dogs). Walks or stands for extended periods of time.
Working Conditions:
The pet care technician is often exposed to unpleasant odors and noises. Pet care technicians may be exposed to bites, scratches, and animal waste. You may also be exposed to contagious diseases. Training will be provided to make such incidents minimal.