Veterinary Technician

Canadian National Institute for the Blind • Full-time • Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada • USD $ 48.89k - USD $ 61.11k / year • 3m ago

Position Title: Veterinary Technician

Reports To: Veterinary Advisor

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

The Veterinary Technician is the primary medical support person for all dogs in the program. The Veterinary Technician is responsible for providing a high standard of care and ensuring accurate records are kept and all required medical tests and procedures are booked and completed for dogs in the CNIB Guide Dogs program.

The Veterinary Technician has a very significant role in communicating with Veterinary Advisor, Consulting DVM, Dog Care & Welfare team, Trainers, Guide Dog Mobility Instructors, Puppy Raising Supervisors, Operations Team and Volunteers.

II. Essential Functions

The position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

Ensures health record and testing compliance for all dogs in program. Review and maintain accurate records for vaccination schedules and OFA screening results for eyes, shoulders, hips, elbows and cardiac, genetic and PennHip. Schedule testing and ensure records are updated accurately in Salesforce.
Review medical files of new dogs arriving into the program.
For dogs entering formal training ensure intake/on class/exit health tests are complete. Make notes for the Consulting DVM for exams/prepare medical records for transfer to the new clinic DVM upon the dogs exiting from the program.
For all animals at Canine Campus, assist Consulting DVM during medical exams (restraining, preparing vaccines etc.) and enter exam notes by Consulting DVM into Salesforce.
For all animals at Canine Campus, collect samples and perform laboratory tests (blood draws, urinalysis, cytology) for diagnosis by the Consulting DVM.
Prepare IDEXX requisition forms and samples to be sent out for testing and retrieve diagnostic results. Prepare for review by DVM and upload and maintain accurate records in Salesforce.
Create treatment charts for animals at Canine Campus requiring medications or treatments, dispense prescriptions and administer medications and administer booster vaccines as required.
Triage calls and texts from trainers and staff about sick and/or injured dogs. Administer first aid and/or arrange veterinary appointments for those deemed needing further medical intervention by DVM.
Consult with Veterinary Advisor, Consulting DVM and Manager, Canine Care, Director, Guide Dog Training and Director, Operations and Business Development regarding health care protocols for the dogs and needs of incoming and exiting dogs.
Monitoring the behaviour of the dogs in formal training including monitoring for signs of stress, sensitivity and any behavioural issues that need to be addressed with the dogs' GDMI or GDT.
Assist as a technician during OFA eye screening and blood donor clinics
Oversee the dispensing of parasite prevention (Nexgard, Nexgard Spectra) for all animals at the Canine Campus.
Ensure satellite clinic exam room is sanitized, kept clean and stocked as needed. Remove any expired medications and supplies. Keep diagnostic equipment maintained in good working order.
Maintain accurate physical records for all dogs in program with any hard copies of CKC records, vaccine records, medical notes secured at Canine Campus Learning Centre
Administer Bordetella vaccine and de-wormer to new dogs entering formal training campus. The Veterinary Technician begins examination procedures and continues to assist the Veterinary Advisor and Consulting DVM throughout the examination, diagnosis and treatment phases. Aiding the CNIB Guide Dogs Veterinary Advisor and Consulting DVM in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail.
Monitoring health of all Canine Campus animals (e.g. including campus cats).
Other duties as required.

III. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirement

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) qualified under Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians.
Knowledge and understanding of dog care needs, canine health and diseases and basic veterinary care.
ability to effectively administer dog health treatments.
Knowledge and understanding of small animal husbandry, especially the maintenance of a high standard boarding facility for dogs, e.g., control of infectious diseases, provision of a safe and happy accommodation for all dogs in their care.
Knowledge of environmental enrichment programs to maintain good mental health in all dogs in their care.
Good dog handling skills, especially with larger breed dogs and groups of dogs.
Ability to perform various health and care procedures such as grooming, bathing, basic health checks and nail trimming.
Knowledge of dog nutrition and weight maintenance.
Good understanding of dog behaviour.
Professional, compassionate and understanding when working with both people (staff, vets, volunteers and the general public) and dogs.
Physical stamina to handle large dogs, heavy loads (dog food, etc).
Flexibility with work hours: at times the Veterinary Technician may be required to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Current Ontario driver's licence.

Experience and Education

Minimum high school diploma.
Minimum two years as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) must meet and maintain the qualifications set by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians.
Satisfy continuing education requirements on a bi-annual basis to maintain RVT status.
experience working with dogs in roles such as dog sitter, vet assistant, dog walker, boarding kennel attendant, dog groomer, animal control officer or obedience trainer.
Other college or university degrees in an animal care related field an asset.

Work Environment

CNIB Canine Campus "dog pods", CNIB Guide Dogs satellite veterinary clinic, facilities and agile office areas.
CNIB Canine Campus property.

CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.