Veterinary and Animal Care Technician
Responsible for performing veterinary care and procedures associated with the operation of a laboratory animal facility or teaching hospital. This role may oversee the work of others and/or manage processes and programs; however, this is a secondary function of the job. Competencies for this role are usually gained through formal education and/or certification, specialized training, and/or experience in a program or specialty area specific to the position responsibilities.
Typical Functions
Typical functions listed below are examples of work performed by positions in this role and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Some duties may overlap levels; however, the preponderance of the work will be assessed when assigning positions to specific levels.
- Provides veterinary care by making patient assessments, triaging concerns, and preparing patients for exams or treatments.
- Assists with performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results.
- Records medical histories and symptoms, including observations, health promotion recommendations, and methods of disease prevention.
- Assists with or administers medications or treatments following protocols under the direction of a veterinarian.
- Monitors the health of animals and reports sick or stress cases to supervisor.
- Ensures compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Confers and collaborates with supervising veterinary professionals.
- Serves as a resource of information and guidance.
- Supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents either on the job or in a classroom setting.
- Ensures understanding of proper medication dosage, administration and disease treatment.
- Supports research efforts by conducting research or training and assisting researchers.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs)
Listed below are the minimum requirements for this role. KSAs will become more advanced as the level increases and will vary depending on the requirements of the position.
- Knowledge of patient care and animal behavior.
- Effective communication skills, including the ability to show compassion.
- Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
- Time management skills.
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
- Ability to pay close attention to detail.
- Ability to lift, assist, and transport patients.
Level Descriptions
Veterinary and Animal Care Technician 1
- Works with minimal supervision, provides work direction to others and assigns daily work.
- Performs assigned tasks independently, following established policies and procedures.
- Performs more complex procedures and ensures schedules are kept and in compliance with protocols.
- Refers new or unusual situations to a higher level.
- Prepares instructional exercises to teach medical techniques and procedures to staff and students.
- Assists with developing standard operating procedures.
- Prepares animals for examinations and procedures, which may include recording vitals and standard medical history question responses.
- Assists veterinarian with medical procedures.
- Administers injections and medications as directed.
- Performs a variety of specialized functions and lab procedures.
- Educates clients on results, follow up care, or discharge instructions.
- Assesses animal behavior and decides when to contact the supervising medical provider for assistance.
Education/Experience
Typically requires an associate’s degree in a relevant field and one year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. A bachelor’s degree preferred.
Licenses/Certifications
Applicable license/certification may be required.
Market Range: MR05, MR06
Veterinary and Animal Care Technician 2
- Performs functions of Animal Care Technician 1, in addition to performing specialized tasks in an area of expertise.
- Work is performed under general supervision; makes decisions on how to carry out work in varying circumstances by interpreting individual situations and determining which guidelines are most effective out of those available.
- Performs work within established guidelines.
- Provides input on the management of animal care.
- Assists with complex surgical or medical procedures.
- Creates schedules for care.
- Creates and disseminates reports.
- Coordinates a program or acts as a liaison within a specialized area of expertise.
- Learns new equipment, medications, and procedures, and develops training for staff.
Education/Experience
Typically requires an associate’s degree in a relevant field and three years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. A bachelor’s degree preferred.
Certification/License
Licensure/Certification in a specialized field may be required.
Market Range: MR07
Effective Date: August 1st, 2024
