Senior Emergency Room Veterinary Technician

Senior ER Veterinary Technician - Veterinary Specialty Center Tucson

PetVet Care Centers’ Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson is seeking a Senior ER Veterinary Technician to join our team. The role supports hospital operations by delivering exceptional veterinary care and service to patients and clients.

As a Senior ER Technician, you will provide patient care, perform diagnostic procedures, assist during surgeries and operations, manage triage, discharge patients, and maintain accurate medical records. You will work closely with our board‑certified criticalist, surgeon, and radiologist to provide comprehensive care to a wide patient base across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct examinations, interviews, and diagnostic tests to determine animal requirements.
• Take vital signs, collect samples, administer medications, drugs, and vaccines, and bandage wounds.
• Assist veterinarians during exams and operations, including preparing supplies and restraining animals.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, and specialized equipment.
• Obtain and verify medications; administer controlled substances with proper documentation.
• Ensure patients have food, water, and clean environments; monitor for clinical signs of disease.
• Maintain safe, sanitary, and humane environments by sterilizing instruments and disinfecting areas.
• Document patient conditions, reactions, and changes; update the database promptly.
• Communicate with pet owners about patient status as directed.
• Maintain equipment, troubleshoot, perform preventive maintenance, and arrange repairs.
• Manage inventory, place orders, verify receipts, and maintain accurate supplies.
• Participate in educational opportunities and professional journal reading to update job knowledge.
• Release pets to owners after ensuring cleanliness and grooming; adhere to written directions.
• Perform additional duties assigned by management.

Qualifications (Required)

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 4‑5 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician in an emergency/critical care setting.
• Proficiency in monitoring anesthesia, including knowledge of agents and emergency protocols.
• Skilled in venipuncture and blood collection for diagnostic testing.
• Strong understanding of triage, critical patient care, and emergency protocols.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in IV catheter placement (peripheral and jugular) across species.
• Knowledge of shock management, fluid therapy, and oxygen supplementation.
• Strong multitasking, critical thinking, and prioritization skills for high‑pressure situations.
• Ability to differentiate critical from non‑critical cases.
• Capacity to safely restrain and obtain vitals from patients.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) preferred.
• CPR Recovery Certification is a plus.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster).
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution.
• Team Member pet discounts.
• Emotional wellbeing support, including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP.
• CE stipends and career development resources.
• Grant Circle – a relief fund for personal hardship.
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V.

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