Welcome to Dogwood Animal Sanctuary! We are pleased you are interested in joining our team. If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Title: Animal Health Coordinator, Full-Time
Location: Multiple facilities at 4424 Victoria Road South, Puslinch, Ontario.
Work: We are seeking a dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our team as the Animal Health Coordinator. This is a physically demanding, hands-on role that requires commitment to high standards of animal care in all weather conditions. Work will be performed both indoors and outdoors, year round. Dogwood Animal Sanctuary operates 7-days a week, 365 days a year. The chosen candidate will work Monday-Friday on a schedule of either: four (4), ten (10) hour shifts or five (5), eight (8) hour shifts each week.
Education
- Current registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) through the OVAT
- Successful completion of the VTNE
- Completion of a post-secondary animal care and/or welfare specific program is preferred
- Fear-Free animal handling certification is considered an asset
Experience
- A minimum of two (2) consecutive years employed as a Registered Veterinary Technician is required
- Experience and comfort performing intravenous blood draws from cats of various temperaments is required
- Experience conducting head-to-toe animal physical exams is required
- Experience preparing and interpreting ear and skin cytology is required
- Experience preparing various laboratory samples for submission and analysis (e.x. blood, bacteriology, fine needle aspirates etc.) is required
- Experience working in an affordable-care clinic, humane society or shelter environment is required
- Experience attending to animals of various species including small companion animals and livestock breeds is required
- Experience in physically demanding roles, such as farm work or similar labour-intensive positions, is considered an asset
- Possession of a G-class drivers licence and clean Drivers Abstract is required
- A high degree of comfortability with technology including IDEXX software, Google Suite and Chrome OS is preferred
- Experience with data entry and/or clinic management software is required
- Experience in the creation (data input), review and presentation of medical records is required
- Previous work experience leading a team or role(s) in a leadership position are preferred
Job Description
As the Animal Health Coordinator, you will play a key role in supporting the health and welfare of all animals in care. Reporting to the Sanctuary Manager and working in collaboration with our veterinarian(s), you will be responsible for:
General Duties (75%) include but are not limited to:
- Develop, coordinate and implement medical care plans for animals in care and residing within the sanctuary, in collaboration with the Sanctuary Manager and CEO
- Facilitate professional and concise communication with Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) to report changes in animal status, obtain approvals for care plans, and arrange off-site referral care in coordination with the Sanctuary Manager and CEO
- Perform routine health assessments and facilitate treatments
- Accurately create and maintain medical records in ShelterLuv, ensuring appropriate follow- up care tasks are assigned and tracked
- Organize and maintain an accurate inventory of veterinary supplies; obtain approval for orders and ensure timely re-stocking
- Assist veterinarian(s) with procedures and provide excellent post-treatment care
- Uphold high standards of biosecurity and maintain cleanliness throughout all medical and general areas
- Prioritize and efficiently complete daily and recurring tasks in a timely manner
- Transport animals to and from off-site specialist and referral appointments
- Facilitate daily communication with the animal care team and management regarding the health status of animals in care, as well as any issues or concerns that arise
- Perform in-house ear swabs, blood draws, SNAP testing and cystocentesis where required
- Perform in-house vaccination, where required
- Submit specimens for the appropriate lab testing(s) and review lab results
- Assist in assessing animals for adoptability and provide socialization and enrichment plans
- Support our charity partner, Dorset Rescue Kittens, by providing relevant information and ongoing care plans for medically complex adoptable animals
Supporting Duties (25%) include but are not limited to:
- Maintain regular communication with management to ensure the health status of animals in care is clearly understood and up-to-date
- Support the training of sanctuary staff in basic animal health and first aid procedures
- Provide fear-free restraint of animals for hands-on exams, and provide training of proper restraint techniques to animal care staff where required
- Actively participate in team meetings, training and staff discussions, offering support and constructive feedback to team members and management
- Act as a mentor and support for the DAS team
- Participate in health and safety initiatives and inspections, while ensuring compliance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act
Benefits After successful completion of 3-month probationary period:
- Optional participation in Group Health Plan
- Reimbursement of OAVT dues
- $250 annual spending allowance for Continuing Education
The role of Animal Health Coordinator, RVT with Dogwood Animal Sanctuary is dynamic and fast-paced. Prospective employees understand that the responsibilities outlined above are a general overview, and additional duties may be assigned as needed. This is a rewarding opportunity for an RVT passionate about animal welfare and eager to make a meaningful impact within a sanctuary environment.
Organization History
Founded in 2022, Dogwood Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to the temporary and permanent care of stray, abused and otherwise vulnerable animals. Operating 365 days a year, Dogwood provides shelter, monitoring and enrichment for over 1000 stray, abandoned, or abused animals a year. Working in partnership with Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS), temporary care and housing is provided to animals with pending cases from all over Ontario. In addition to temporary care, Dogwood is home to a number of resident rescue animals who reside permanently within the Sanctuary.
The Dogwood team began as a small group of animal care attendants and management, and has since expanded to include numerous leadership, animal care and volunteer positions. The Sanctuary is fortunate to consist of a highly skilled and passionate workforce that has a proven foundation built on mutual learning and respect. Each employee brings a set of unique skills and experience that make essential contributions to the Dogwood team. All Dogwood employees pride themselves on providing high quality care and enrichment to all animals we have the pleasure of housing, no matter their duration in care.
Our team is the drive behind Dogwood’s culture of ongoing growth and success. Employees are encouraged to be part of the conversation, provide feedback to leadership and work as a team to help find new ways the sanctuary can evolve. We are committed to exemplary animal care, team building, and mutual contributions to cultivate excellence within our talented team. Dogwood Animal Sanctuary is a revenue generating business entity who works closely with our non-profit charity partner, Dorset Rescue Kittens.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00-$28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
