Veterinary Foster Technician

At SPCA Florida, we strive to positively impact the lives of animals through our fostering program. We are currently looking for a new team member to join our Foster Care Program.

As a Foster Caretaker, you will play a vital role in providing loving and humane care for the animals in our program. Your responsibilities will include following established guidelines while working independently. By embodying the vision and mission of SPCA Florida, you will help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of both animals and people in our community.

Why Lakeland?

You'll love our vibrant community We're just a quick drive—less than an hour—from beautiful beaches, the fun of Tampa, and the excitement of Orlando. There are so many activities to enjoy, with plenty of parks, lakes, and trails just waiting for you to explore. Come see what makes Lakeland such a great place to call home

What's In It For You

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• 403B Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Employer-sponsored health plans, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and more.
• Jury Duty Pay
• Bereavement Pay
• Holiday Pay
• Pet Care Discounts
• No Cost Pet Cremation
• Employee Assistance Program is available at no cost to all employees and their families for confidential assistance
• Basic Life Insurance
• Opportunity for Career Advancement and Learning
• An all-around amazing family-like team to work with
• A satisfied accomplishment finding forever homes for our animals.

What We're Looking For

• Kind-hearted & empathetic—someone who genuinely cares about people and animals.
• A people-person—friendly and professional, even during stressful moments
• A smart & resourceful multitasker—able to juggle different tasks at once
• A team player who values respect, no drama, and a positive work culture

• Be flexible in attitude and work habits. Must be able to work a flexible schedule (including Saturdays or Sundays). We are open 7 days a week.

• A high school diploma is required. An associate's degree is preferred but not required.

• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
• Candidates must possess strong leadership skills, a willingness to learn, and a proactive attitude.
• Exceptional customer service skills are essential, as is the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Animal experience is required, including knowledge of animal behavior and handling.
• Candidates should also be open to learning how to prepare and administer vaccines and dewormers.
• Additionally, a readiness to learn how to collect blood samples for Feline FIV/FeLV Combo and Canine 4DX tests, as well as how to scan for microchips properly, is necessary.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Actively reaching out to and interacting with the foster parents, specifically talking with prospective foster parents to assist them with their foster needs.
• Responsible for all medical processing of foster animals; administers proper vaccines and performs routine tests.
• Assures all treatments are up to date and entered, and any medications to be sent with the foster animal are prepared when needed.
• Assists with cleaning, feeding, and walking foster animals as needed while in the care of SPCA Florida.
• Provides routine medical care of all foster animals, including but not limited to vaccination, deworming, testing, and administering medication.
• Assists the shelter veterinarian with the foster animal exams by providing proper animal restraint, obtaining a medical history, and filling medications according to the veterinarian's recommendations and SPCA Florida Standard Medical Operating Procedures.
• Assures all treatments are up to date and entered, and any medications to be sent with the foster animal are prepared when needed.
• Coordinates between departments and veterinarians to serve as a foster animal advocate as needed.
• Restrain pets in a manner that allows necessary work and treatments to be performed, minimizes patient stress, and ensures their safety and that of other people.
• Helping the foster parents with the fostering process, sharing information about animal care and behavior, reviewing medical conditions and terms, and communicating with the foster parent in such a manner that maintains a courteous and friendly experience
• Willingness and ability to learn and use the ShelterLuv computer program we use to track animals in the shelter. Utilize software to enter complete and accurate data into the ShelterLuv system.
• Throughout the day, respond promptly to emails and phone calls from foster parents and potential foster parents.
• Maintain the foster files and documentation for foster applications.
• Assists with disease control and cleaning of all areas in the foster department throughout the day as needed.Assist in coordinating and completing animal intakes.
• Clean cages and maintain sanitation standards with daily cleaning and feeding duties for the nursery.
• Help match foster families with suitable foster animals based on the foster parent's skills and circumstances.

SPCA Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace, with background checks required for employment.