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 enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.  

Job Summary

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 community medicine and shelter, 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 an advanced working knowledge of veterinary medicine 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.

The Role: What You’ll Do

• Rotate between the medical center, surgery center, and community clinic as assigned. 
• Perform intake exams and begin treatments on patients following our protocols and standard operating procedures; administer vaccinations, parasiticides, and routine screenings on a variety of species. 
• 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. 
• Assist Veterinarians with patient appointments for illnesses, including obtaining patient histories, addressing client or foster parent concerns, performing indicated diagnostics, administering treatments, and reviewing discharge instructions. 
• Perform diagnostics and collect and prepare laboratory samples for analysis.
• Perform advanced clinical procedures, including but not limited to digital radiology, dental scaling, polishing, and radiology, cystocentesis, enema placement, and advanced wound care.
• Calculate, administer, and record medications; complete controlled drug logs; fill prescriptions. 
• Perform and assist with euthanasia.
• Perform shelter rounds and monitor population health. 
• Work with other departments to determine the best pathway of incoming animals, i.e.; Adoption, Transfer, Medical Treatment, Spay/Neuter etc.
• Assist with training new and existing veterinary support staff on technical skills and veterinary knowledge.
• Update and maintain population management software, patient files, review care plans, and handle other administrative duties, as necessary. 
• Maintain advanced knowledge of veterinary pharmacology, including drug classes, indications, dosing, and potential side effects.
• 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. 
• Adhere to expectations for punctuality and attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
• Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work. Typically stands, bends, stoops, and crouches while working special events.
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; common allergens; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

About You: Skills & Qualifications

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 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 flexible, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn animal shelter procedures and protocols.
• Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive, professional manner.
• Must be comfortable and proficient (or willing to become proficient) in animal-handling situations and have a strong desire to help animals and people, and commitment to life-saving programs and services.

Qualifications – Education & Experience

• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• Two or more years of experience as a veterinary technician in an animal hospital or shelter.
• One to two years of progressively responsible experience in an open admittance animal shelter preferred.
• Certified or licensed Veterinarian Technician are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits Overview: Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

At the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees so they can continue making a meaningful impact for animals and the community. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable  
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs  
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future  
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges  
• Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses  
• Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth  
• Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs  
• Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings  

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing. 

 HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.