About the role
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.