Find & Apply For Veterinary Technician / Technologist Jobs in Tempe, Arizona

Overview:

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue is a local, nonprofit, no-kill shelter in Tempe, Arizona, dedicated to helping pets and their people during times of crisis. Our programs are rooted in the human-animal bond and include Rescue & Adoption, a 90-day Temporary Care Program, a Pet Food Bank, a First Responder Program, and partnerships with domestic violence shelters. www.lostourhome.org Our home-like shelter cares for approximately 80 pets onsite, with an additional 150 pets in foster homes. We're looking for a compassionate, skilled Veterinary Technician with surgical experience who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven, shelter environment and is passionate about helping both pets and people. We care for ~80 pets onsite and another ~150 in foster homes. We're seeking a compassionate, surgery-skilled Veterinary Technician who thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven shelter environment and is passionate about supporting both pets and people.

Key Responsibilities:

Professionalism

• Model Fear Free, low stress handling.
• Maintain a positive, professional, collaborative environment.
• Communicate treatment plans, medication instructions, and follow-up care clearly and compassionately.
• Serve as a knowledgeable medical resource for shelter staff and volunteers. Medical Operations
• Assists with the daily medical flow, including treatments, rechecks, surgeries, intakes, and follow-ups. (Oversee this when the Medical Manager is unavailable or not onsite.)
• Perform intake exams with accurate documentation.
• Prioritize medical cases based on urgency and shelter needs.
• Ensure timely and accurate medical documentation and communication in logs, records, and shelter software.
• Coordinate with the operations team on animal movement, quarantine, and adoption readiness.
• Transport pets to and from veterinary partners as needed.

Patient Care & Technical Surgical Skills Provide compassionate, high-quality patent care using Fear Free and low stress handling techniques. Administer vaccinations, microchips, medications, anesthetics, treatments, and diagnostic tests as directed. Administer IV, IM, and SQ injections and place IV catheters. Accurately calculate drug dosages and fluid rates. Prepare patients for surgery by shaving, scrubbing, and disinfecting surgical sites. Assemble and prepare anesthesia equipment, monitoring devices, and surgical instruments. Maintain aseptic technique and sterile surgical fields throughout procedures. Assist veterinarians with surgical, dental, and medical procedures, including instrument support and tissue retraction. Monitor patient condition and vital signs during sedation, anesthesia, treatment, and recovery. Recognize anesthetic or medical emergencies and provide CPR, BLS, and ALS interventions consistent with current veterinary standards. Monitor recovering patients and administer prescribed post-operative medications. Evaluate and maintain bandages, splints, and surgical sites. Fill prescriptions and provide clear medication and discharge instructions. Monitor shelter animals for signs of illness, stress, discomfort, or behavioral concerns. Assist with infectious disease prevention, outbreak response, and herd health management strategies. Support population management efforts that promote animal welfare and reduce length of stay. Collaborate with operations staff to ensure safe and appropriate housing based on medical and behavioral needs. Maintain clean, sanitary medical kennels and treatment areas. Inventory & Facility Ensure equipment is cleaned, maintained, and functioning. Keep medical areas organized and sanitary. Assist Medical Manager as needed to maintain medical supplies and inventories Compliance & Safety Ensure adherence to state veterinary regulations and shelter protocols. Maintain standards and proper PPE use. Follows medical SOPs and assists with updating as needed.

Requirements:

Experience Requirements High School Diploma or GED Minimum 4 years of veterinary technician experience, including surgical and anesthesia experience. At least 1-2 years in a full-time shelter operations position which includes cross-departmental work and strong shelter flow knowledge. Demonstrated experience monitoring anesthesia, assisting in surgery, and performing medical treatments independently. Fear Free Certified or able to complete certification within 30 days of hire. Standard Requirements Valid driver's license and ability to drive the organization's transport van . Strong verbal and written communication skills , with the ability to interact positively and professionally with employees, volunteers, foster families, adopters, clients, and the public who are in communication with our organization. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, emotionally dynamic environment. Ability to manage multiple priorities, remain calm under pressure, and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. Confidence and skill in working safely with dogs and cats of varying sizes, strengths, and temperaments. Attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work. Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly learn new software. Organizational abilities, including managing both paper and digital files, notes, schedules, and documentation. Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams experience a plus. Emotional intelligence, integrity, and values that align with LOH's values of compassion, teamwork, and respect. Ability to maintain confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy in sensitive situations. Physical Requirements Regularly required to type, talk, hear, stand, walk, sit, use hands, and reach with arms. Frequent bending, lifting, squatting, kneeling, and other physical tasks associated with animal care. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds independently and more with assistance. Ability to handle, guide, and walk dogs weighing up to 100 pounds. Ability to stand and walk for 8+ hours per day when needed. Occasional climbing, balancing, crouching, crawling, or exposure to strong odors. Work Environment Exposure to disinfectants, cleaning supplies, animal waste, and high noise levels in kennel areas. Potential exposure to bites, scratches, and animals of uncertain temperament. Exposure to wet conditions and outdoor weather during dog walking or transport. Exposure to radiation producing equipment. i.e. hand-held dental and table x-ray equipment. Why Join Us Mission driven, compassionate team Meaningful work that directly impacts pets and families in crisis Supportive, homelike shelter environment Collaborative workplace focused on animal welfare and positive outcomes for people and pets Opportunity to practice shelter medicine while utilizing surgical skills Opportunities to grow in shelter medicine environment

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$23.00 - $27.00 per hour Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): How many years of veterinary surgical assistance experience do you have? Describe your experience with animal anesthesia ?

Work Location:

In person