Animal Rescue Jobs in Bend, OR (NOW HIRING)

Every Animal Deserves Exceptional Medical Care. Help Us Deliver It.
Certified Veterinary Technician
Humane Society of Central Oregon | Bend, Oregon
$28.00-$35.00/hour | 30-40 Hours/Week | 10-Hour Shifts | Full-Time Benefits Starting at 30 Hours
At the Humane Society of Central Oregon, veterinary medicine is about more than treating patients-it's about transforming lives. Every day, our team helps homeless animals heal, supports families through accessible veterinary care, and strengthens the human-animal bond throughout Central Oregon.
As a Certified Veterinary Technician, you'll spend most of your time providing medical care that helps shelter animals recover, heal, and find loving homes, while also supporting our Veterinary Outreach program as needed. It's an opportunity to practice at the top of your license, work alongside a collaborative veterinary team, and make a meaningful difference for both animals and the people who love them.
Compensation, Benefits & Work-Life Balance
We believe the people caring for animals deserve exceptional care, too.

• Competitive pay

• 10-hour shifts with 30-40 hours per week available

• Licensed veterinary professionals are eligible for full-time benefits while working as few as 30 hours per week

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Simple IRA retirement plan with a 3% employer match

• Generous paid time off and paid holidays

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Significantly discounted veterinary care for employee pets

• Continuing education and professional development opportunities

• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates

What You'll Do
As a Certified Veterinary Technician, you'll play an essential role in both our Shelter Clinic and Veterinary Outreach program. Most of your time will be spent caring for shelter animals, with opportunities to support community veterinary clinics as needed.
Surgical & Clinical Care

• Prepare animals for surgery and safely induce, monitor, and recover anesthesia.

• Assist veterinarians with surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, examinations, and treatment plans.

• Perform routine laboratory testing and collect diagnostic samples, including venipuncture and cystocentesis.

• Administer medications, vaccinations, and treatments while maintaining accurate medical records.

• Perform dental evaluations and prophylaxis.
• Maintain controlled substance logs, surgical instruments, medical equipment, and clinic inventory.

Shelter Animal Welfare

• Provide compassionate nursing care that helps shelter animals recover and become adoption-ready.

• Support Fear Free handling practices and promote positive animal welfare outcomes.

• Assist with humane euthanasia procedures when certified and appropriate.

• Maintain clean, organized clinical spaces that support patient safety and infection control.

• Collaborate with shelter staff to improve animal health and welfare throughout the organization.

Community Veterinary Care

• Participate in Veterinary Outreach wellness and surgical clinics as scheduled.

• Help provide accessible veterinary services that allow more families to keep their pets healthy and at home.

• Educate adopters and pet owners by providing clear, supportive medical guidance and post-treatment instructions.

Teamwork & Professional Growth

• Help train and mentor new staff.

• Participate in reviewing and improving clinic protocols and standard operating procedures.

• Continue developing your skills through continuing education and current veterinary best practices.

• Represent HSCO's mission and values in every interaction.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Current Oregon Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license (or ability to obtain prior to employment).

• Strong anesthesia monitoring and surgical nursing skills.

• Knowledge of Fear Free handling principles and modern veterinary nursing practices.

• Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary veterinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in shelter medicine, high-volume spay/neuter, emergency medicine, or companion animal practice.

• Experience performing dental prophylaxis, laboratory diagnostics, and patient nursing care.

• Certified Euthanasia Technician certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Experience mentoring or training others.

Working Environment
This is a working animal shelter where you'll spend your days caring for animals in a fast-paced clinical environment. The role includes standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, and working around animals that may be frightened, stressed, or injured. Exposure to noise, zoonotic diseases, cleaning chemicals, and emotionally challenging situations is part of the work. Weekend or occasional extended-hour shifts may be required to meet the needs of the animals in our care.
Join Our Team
At the Humane Society of Central Oregon, our mission is strengthening the human-animal bond by advocating and compassionately caring for animals.
Every animal has a story-and every member of our team helps shape what comes next. As a Certified Veterinary Technician at HSCO, you'll use your skills to heal animals, support families, and make a lasting impact in your community.
If you're ready to build a career with purpose, we'd love to hear from you.