Veterinary Technician

We are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Veterinary Technician to join our team at the City of Detroit. As a key member of our animal care team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals in our shelter.

• Assist veterinarians in examining, testing, and treating domestic animals in the shelter.
• Perform routine laboratory examinations, such as urinalysis, blood and fecal examinations.
• Administer medications and vaccinations, injections, perform venipuncture, apply wound dressing, clean teeth and measure vital statistics.
• Provide guidance for staff as needed on examining animals, estimating age, and determining spay/neuter status.
• Perform routine procedures such as nail trims, basic grooming, ear cleaning, otoscopic exams and suture removal.
• Coordinate treatment and diagnostic procedures. Triage animals as needed to determine priority for scheduling.
• Perform and record physical and behavioral examinations of shelter animals upon entry and exit.
• Obtain and document animal histories from staff, volunteers, potential adopters, and foster placements.
• Prepare treatment rooms and animal for medical procedures.
• Sharpen, clean and sterilize exam and pathology instruments.
• Dispose medical waste.
• Maintain controlled drug logs in accordance with DEA requirements.
• Maintain organized inventory of prescription medications, shampoos, veterinary diets, and other veterinary supplies for shelter use.
• Monitor inventory for expired medications and handle appropriately.
• Prepare and maintain files, medical charts and update histories and immunization records.
• Assist veterinarian in research projects and post-mortem examinations.
• Perform humane euthanasia by injection.
• Provide information and address questions or concerns from residents, potential animal owners, volunteers and other staff.
• Transport and restrain animals as needed.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Completion of a two-year accredited veterinary technician program.
• Preferably six (6) months to one (1) year of recent experience in a veterinary hospital or clinic assisting in examining, testing and treating animals. Animal shelter experience is highly desirable.

The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits.