RVT-Laboratory & Pharmacy - PVS

Our Vision: To be a leader in animal welfare, working for a compassionate society where all animals are respected and valued.

Our Mission: To Improve the Lives of Animals.

Job Summary

The Registered Veterinary Technician, Laboratory and Pharmacy, under the direction of the Assistant Manager, Public Veterinary Services, is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the in-house pharmacy and laboratory functions supporting veterinary operations. The role provides technical veterinary support through diagnostic testing, pharmacy management, radiography, surgical assistance, patient care, and client communication. The Registered Veterinary Technician, Laboratory and Pharmacy collaborates with veterinarians, clients, and animal care staff to support high standards of patient care, safety, and operational effectiveness. This position contributes to positive patient outcomes and supports the Toronto Humane Society's mission to improve animal welfare through accessible veterinary care and life-saving services.

Job Duties

Pharmacy Management

• Maintain and organize the in-clinic pharmacy, including inventory control, drug audits, ordering, receiving, stocking, and storage of medications.
• Dispense medications as prescribed and maintain accurate pharmaceutical records.
• Order, receive, stock, and monitor medical, laboratory, pharmacy, and animal care supplies to ensure uninterrupted clinical operations.

Diagnostic and Laboratory Procedures

• Collect and process diagnostic samples, including blood, urine, fecal, and cytology specimens.
• Perform laboratory testing, including hematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, parasitology, and cytology.
• Prepare and submit diagnostic samples to external laboratories as required.
• Obtain diagnostic radiographs and communicate observations to veterinarians.
• Maintain laboratory equipment according to manufacturer instructions and ensure appropriate quality control measures are performed.

Clinical and Surgical Support

• Assist veterinarians with physical examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and patient assessments.
• Provide surgical support, including patient preparation, induction, intubation, monitoring, and recovery.
• Perform non-surgical dental procedures in accordance with established protocols.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with veterinary instructions and established protocols.
• Perform daily husbandry and patient care activities.
• Safely handle and restrain animals of varying species, sizes, and temperaments.
• Advocate for the health and welfare of animals and support positive patient outcomes.

Equipment, Inventory, and Facility Management

• Ensure treatment, laboratory, surgical, and animal care areas remain clean, organized, and prepared for daily operations.
• Maintain clinical, laboratory, and diagnostic equipment to support safe and effective operations.
• Ensure work areas are appropriately stocked and prepared to support patient care activities.

Documentation, Communication, and Quality Assurance

• Enter and maintain accurate patient, treatment, laboratory, and pharmacy records within veterinary software systems.
• Communicate effectively with clients regarding patient care, treatments, medications, and follow-up instructions.
• Collaborate with veterinarians and other staff to ensure continuity of care and efficient service delivery.
• Support quality assurance, patient safety, infection prevention, and risk management initiatives.
• Demonstrate cooperation and professionalism in support of a collaborative team environment.

Other Duties

• Attend and participate in workshops, seminars, and in-service training to further education, skills, and training.
• Be aware of and work within the regulations of all Toronto Humane Society policies and protocols.
• Work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations, including understanding and adhering to the requirements of the Health and Safety Manual, and any other rules and regulations established by the Society.
• Work cooperatively with all volunteers and recognize the talent and commitment they bring to the Society.
• Foster, promote, support and drive inclusion and influence others to promote, embrace and progress Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Society.
• Other duties as required in the day-to-day operation of the Society.

Job Requirements

• Registered Member in good standing with Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians
• Strong knowledge of all essential competencies required to maintain RVT status
• Proven ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a large, multidisciplinary medical care team
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining high standards of patient safety, care, and animal welfare
• Strong nursing care and biosecurity knowledge
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with adopters, foster caregivers, volunteers, and members of the public, including in sensitive or emotionally challenging situations
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative teamwork and fostering positive working relationships within a multidisciplinary environment
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance
• Strong communication, computer, time management and organizational skills
• Organized with meticulous records maintenance skills and attention to detail
• Experience working in animal welfare, shelter medicine, or a high-volume veterinary environment is considered an asset
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize critical patient care
• Ability to adapt to change and maintain a positive mindset
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain poise and efficiency in stressful situations

Work Conditions

• Interaction with employees, management, volunteers, students and member of the public
• Interaction with others under varying circumstances-including situations of a highly sensitive nature
• Flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Occasional overtime
• Involves the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy to moderately heavy objects and materials and some combination of climbing and balancing to include stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling
• Ability to safely and humanely restrain animals of various sizes and temperaments when necessary
• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal bites, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

This posting is for an existing job vacancy.

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Candidate Potential

At Toronto Humane Society, we value diverse perspectives and recognize that a great candidate may not check every box. If you're passionate about animal welfare and believe you have the potential to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you may not meet every listed qualification. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are committed to providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Toronto Humane Society is committed to building and sustaining a diverse and equitable workplace where people’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, respected, and welcome. We recognize that a diverse and empowered workforce helps us better serve our animals, clients, and community and contributes to Toronto Humane Society’s overall growth and success. Therefore, we strongly encourage qualified applications from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups within the animal welfare sector, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomers, 2S/LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.

Accommodation Needs

Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.

Use of AI in Recruitment

To streamline our hiring process, we utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage and organize applications. While the ATS aids in efficiency, the core evaluation of candidates is carried out by our human resources team. This approach ensures a personalized review that allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant's unique skills and potential.

Next Steps

We thank all applicants for their interest in Toronto Humane Society, however due to the high number of applications we receive, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.