Veterinary Technician-Clinic and Community Services (Full Time Or Part Time)

Description

 Status: Full-Time / Part-Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: On-site (Pittsburgh, PA)
Schedule: Daytime hours with occasional evenings, weekends, and special events
Starting Pay Range: $18.00-$23.00/hour

Who We Are

For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set – and raised – the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy and our pet food bank each year.

Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives — simply put, because it’s what we do.

At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.

Position Summary

The Veterinary Technician, Clinic & Community Services plays a vital role in delivering accessible, high-quality veterinary care to pet owners facing financial or accessibility barriers. This position directly supports Animal Friends’ mission by ensuring safe, compassionate care for patients while assisting in high-volume spay/neuter surgeries, general practice appointments, and community-focused vaccine clinics.

This role works closely with veterinarians, support staff, and clients to provide excellent patient care, educate pet owners, and maintain a humane, efficient, and supportive clinical environment that serves both people and animals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, high-quality care to canine and feline patients of all ages, breeds, and medical or behavioral conditions
• Support veterinarians during exams, surgeries, dental procedures, and vaccine clinics
• Administer and monitor anesthesia, including induction, intubation, maintenance, and recovery
• Prepare patients and surgical sites using proper aseptic techniques
• Collect patient histories, take vital signs, place IV catheters, and perform laboratory testing
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed
• Assist in diagnostic imaging and sample collection (blood, urine, fecal)
• Safely restrain animals, including fractious patients and feral cats
• Maintain surgical instruments, equipment, and treatment areas

Client Communication & Education

• Educate clients on spay/neuter, vaccines, disease prevention, medications, and animal care
• Clearly explain procedures, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
• Provide compassionate support to clients in stressful or emotional situations
• Respond to calls, voicemails, and client inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Communicate clinic services, pricing, and available community programs

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Accurately document patient care and client communications in medical records
• Maintain controlled substance logs and adhere to clinic policies
• Support scheduling, reporting, and daily clinic operations
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of exam rooms, surgical suites, and kennels
• Participate in high-volume clinics, outreach efforts, and special events

Other Duties

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs  

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (for eligible full-time employees)
• Paid time off, holidays (for full-time employees), and birthday pay
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
• Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
• A mission-driven team and meaningful work that makes a real impact

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; graduate of an accredited Veterinary Technician program
• Experience: Hands-on veterinary or clinical experience required; anesthesia experience required
• Certifications/Licensures: CVT preferred
• Skills and Abilities: 
  • Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology and procedures
  • Ability to perform SQ, IM, and IV injections
  • Strong communication, organization, and time management skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume clinical environment
  • Ability to safely handle and restrain animals
• Availability: Flexible schedule including occasional evenings, weekends, and special events
• Comfortable working around dogs, cats, and other animals with varying medical and behavioral needs
• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance required  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in shelter medicine, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN), TNVR programs, or      general practice/ER settings
• Experience working with feral cats or medically complex patients
• Strong background in client education and community-based care

Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands

This position:

• Requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds regularly
• Involves exposure to animals, noise, sanitation chemicals, dander, and contagious diseases
• May involve emotionally challenging situations related to animal illness, injury, or outcomes
• Requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.