Registered Veterinary Technician

About Pets in Need

Our mission is to provide animals with loving care and lasting homes, to partner with communities striving to do the same, and to advance our no-kill legacy.

Under the direction of the Medical and Outreach Manager, the Registered Veterinary Technician is responsible for the medical care of animals, assisting veterinarians in the health care of animals and the analysis of animal disease, and rendering emergency treatment in life‑threatening situations to sustain life.

• Assist the Lead Veterinarian in implementing high‑quality medical care and health management programs for Pets in Need's shelter animals at both Palo Alto and Redwood City locations.
• Assist the Lead Veterinarian in implementing high‑quality spay and neuter for shelter and public‑owned animals.
• Assist with low‑cost vaccination clinics as needed.
• Perform diagnostic tests, venipuncture, x‑rays, laboratory tests, IV catheter placement, and drug/fluid calculations.
• Conduct in‑house laboratory testing and ensure proper sample handling and documentation.
• Administer treatments, perform health checks, manage vaccinations and flea/tick prevention, handle deworming, and bathe animals as needed.
• Induce, maintain, monitor, and recover animals under anesthesia and prepare animals for surgery.
• Work with Veterinary Assistants and Volunteers, including training and directing completion of tasks necessary to achieve optimal medical department efficiency.
• Follow veterinary protocols and standing orders for animals in PIN's shelter, including medical, behavior and general care practices for the health and well‑being of the animals, individually and as a herd.
• Maintain records of all medications and other care as needed.
• Comply with all laws pertaining to controlled substances.
• Perform dental radiographs, prophylactic cleaning, and extractions as directed by the Veterinarian.
• Perform euthanasia.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to veterinary assistants, support staff, and volunteers.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, efficiency, and high standards of patient care.
• Perform other job duties as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Valid Registered Veterinary Technician license in the state of California.
• Three years of experience working as an RVT in a shelter or Emergency Clinic.
• Experience working in a high‑quality/high‑volume spay/neuter operation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with animal handling and restraint, animal health, and behavior assessments.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under stressful conditions.
• Ability to cope with death, either due to surgical complications or euthanasia.
• Ability to delegate tasks.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment, handle fluctuating priorities, and multiple projects.
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Spanish fluency strongly preferred and compensated.

• Physically strong and dexterous, able to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to bend and kneel repeatedly.
• Good range of motion in joints, especially wrist, knees, back for twisting, and elbows.

• No allergic reactions resulting from close proximity to animals in the workplace.
• Working with potentially dangerous and fractious animals.
• Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances.
• Humane restraint of animals when necessary.
• Works remotely, on‑site, and outdoors in various settings and weather within the community.
• Ability to travel between locations.
• Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

The pay range for this role is: 35 - 45 USD per hour (Palo Alto and Redwood City)