Volunteer – Assistant to Veterinary Technicians (18 years old +)

The volunteer must work in a team with the other volunteers and staff members. He may have to help an employee in his tasks, when required.

The volunteer must at all times obey the safety rules put in place to reduce the risk of accidents as well as the biosecurity procedures established to minimize the spread of disease and infection.

Like all employees of Proanima, the volunteer must respect the organization’s mission and code of ethics at all times and take part in the continuing education program.

Duties and Responsibilities (in order of priority)

Operating Room Maintenance

1. Clean operating rooms on an ongoing basis.
2. Clean operating rooms following surgery.
3. Maintenance of surgical equipment as requested by the medical team.
4. Clean the clinic at day-end (vacuum and wash floors).
5. Restock supplies (alcohol, gloves, paper towels, etc.)

Moving Animals

1. Move animals between work and housing areas (rescue and found animal housing, operating rooms, adoption housing).
2. Ensure that animal files, identity cards and information are properly transferred and managed.

Sterilization of Surgical Equipment Sets

1. Clean surgical instruments on an ongoing basis.
2. Wrap and mark surgical instrument sets.
3. Sterilize surgical sets.

Assistance with Waking-Up Operations (as requested by VTs)

1. Supervise waking animals as instructed.
2. Feed waking animals as instructed.
3. Clean waking facilities after pets are transferred to adoption. Attend training sessions required for this position.
4. Attend professional development sessions.

Attendance at Proanima Training Sessions

Skills and Other Requirements

• Ability to follow clear instructions
• Comfortable with surgical operations
• Ability to avoid anthropomorphizing animals (e.g., interpreting pain and comfort levels, reacting to abortions, etc.)
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Punctual and diligent
• Ability to work discreetly so as not to disturb the concentration of employees performing surgery

Specific Requirements:

• Animals under anesthesia must be handled in strict accordance with the instructions of the VT/veterinarian. Animals under anesthesia may be dysphoric, and improper handling may lead to serious injuries to the animal or a human.
• Animals must always be handled in accordance with the highest safety standards: cats must be transported in carrier boxes and dogs on a leash, and pets waking after surgery must be kept in a quiet environment.
• Avoid direct and indirect handling of incision areas.
• Do not enter the operating room unless asked to do so by a VT/veterinarian.
• As a safety measure, people who take immunosuppressive drugs or have a disease or condition affecting the immune system cannot apply for this volunteer position.

Schedule

• Session of 3 hours per week minimum.
• Availability at least 1 week out of 2.

Risks

• Bites
• Scratches
• Minor indirect exposure to anesthetic gas. No pregnant women.