Licensed Veterinary Technician

Reports to Supervising Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.  

The Richmond SPCA's Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital is a full-service, low-cost hospital that provides quality, accessible care to our community. By doing so, we work to prevent pet relinquishment due to cost of veterinary care.

Licensed Veterinary Technicians are essential members of our team, as they provide lifesaving and life-improving medical care to pets who may otherwise not have access to these needed services. 

Essential Functions

• Provide exceptional patient care for surgical, hospitalized pets, and outpatients
• Provide support to and take direction from Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) in the provision of veterinary medicine
• Administer medications, treatments, and vaccines as prescribed by DVMs
• Efficiently pre-medicate, induce, intubate, and monitor surgical patients as necessary 
• Partner with the DVM on the floor to manage hospital flow, including support staff and patient care in rooms (moved up the list)
• Assist with the acceptance and accurate entry of inventory into practice management software, ensuring meticulous attention to detail when updating item quantities, product information, and expiration dates
• Perform clerical work, data entry into patient charts, and invoicing promptly and accurately as needed and ensure prompt and accurate record-keeping procedures are followed by medical support staff
• Perform routine and specialized diagnostic tests
• Handle, track, and appropriately document controlled substances for patients according to hospital protocol  
• Identify emergency situations and respond appropriately
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with pet guardians during appointments, including delivering education and counseling
• Handling (leash-walking, lifting, and carrying) and medical restraint of dog and cat patients; placing and securing dogs and cats in carriers/kennels
• Follow established operational protocols, patient care standards, safety guidelines, equipment handling procedures, and documentation requirements to ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant hospital operations
• Perform all job functions of a veterinary assistant
• Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings
• Other job-related duties as assigned

• Hold a current LVT license in good standing in the State of Virginia
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Weekday availability; early morning and evening availability required (no nights or holidays)
• Have reliable transportation, including during inclement weather
• Comfort handling both dogs and cats, including fearful or fractious patients

Qualifications, Skills, and Expectations

• Proficient with fundamental LVT skills (e.g., IV catheter placement, venipuncture, anesthetic induction/intubation/maintenance/monitoring, surgical prep, radiographs)
• Effective, professional and empathetic customer service skills and communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Uncompromising commitment to the wellbeing of patients
• Well-versed in basic wellness and medical knowledge 
• Ability to interpret patient medical records
• Ability to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions
• Ability to learn, use, and maintain diagnostic equipment, including radiography and lab work machines
• Professional communication skills and comfort speaking with others, including coworkers
• Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, adapt to and accommodate changing demands
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
• Strong work ethic
• Punctual and reliable
• Team-oriented
• Able to work independently at times
• Resourceful, positive, can-do attitude
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Maintain client confidentiality
• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new computer systems (knowledge of DaySmart Vet a plus)
• Prior experience in a shelter, fast-paced hospital or high-volume sterilization services a plus
• Experience performing dental prophylaxis and radiographs preferred

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to routinely lift 50 pounds
• Able to push/pull a large cart
• Able to work with animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges)
• Able to bend, kneel, stoop, and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to physically restrain a dog up to 50 pounds
• Able to be on your feet for 8 to 10 hours at a time
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Work Environment

• Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, loud noises, cat litter, animal waste, various chemicals, and disinfectants
• High levels of noise at times
• Potential for animal bites, scratches and zoonotic diseases (can be transmitted from animals to people)

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave.

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.

The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.