Veterinary Technician

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership.

Its broad reach and deep expertise enables HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.

The Humane Rescue Alliance seeks a Veterinary Technician to join a dynamic team of medical professionals to provide consistent medical care to animals in the nation’s capital. This role offers a unique opportunity to support animals in need, deepen your understanding of shelter and community medicine, and develop your veterinary skills. The veterinary technician provides a wide range of medical care and guidance, from basic wellness and care information to surgical support for shelter animals and owned animals.

Candidates should have a working knowledge of veterinary medicine, animal shelter procedures, and animal care and behavior.

Join an organization dedicated to fostering personal growth, providing opportunities for learning, and serving both the animals and owners of our nation’s capital. Candidates must be committed to providing incremental levels of support to owned animals, with an emphasis on improving access to care and strengthening the human-animal bond.

• Assist Veterinarians with patient appointments for illnesses, including obtaining patient histories, addressing client concerns, performing indicated diagnostics, administering treatments, and reviewing discharge instructions.
• Perform diagnostics and collect and prepare laboratory samples for analysis.
• Calculate, administer, and record medications; complete controlled drug logs; fill prescriptions.
• Perform surgical support, including but not limited to surgery prep, anesthesia induction, intubation, monitoring, recovery, emergency intervention, as well as general cleaning and equipment management.
• Perform and assist with euthanasia.
• Assist with training new and existing veterinary support staff on daily operations, software systems, and technical skills.
• Maintain departmental procedures and protocols regarding humane care and treatment of animals, exam area cleanliness, and safety guidelines.
• Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Two or more years of experience as a veterinary technician in an animal hospital or shelter. Certified or licensed Veterinarian Technician are encouraged to apply.
• Proficient technical skills including administering medications, phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, anesthesia monitoring, and lab diagnostics.
• Knowledge and skill in restraint and handling techniques, general animal safety practices, and ability to recognize animal behavior patterns.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, shelter and practice management software, and internet applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-service orientation; able to communicate in a professional, empathetic manner with staff, clients, and volunteers.
• Successful completion of Euthanasia Certification program within 6 months of hire.
• Previous Fear Free Certification or successful completion of Fear Free Shelter certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to routinely work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Work collaboratively and with confidence in a high-stress, fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be…