Intake Technician

Overview

Intake Technician Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA at COMPANION ANIMAL ALLIANCE

Title: FT Intake Technician

Division: Operations; Shelter Med

Reports To: Clinic Manager, Operations Director, Staff Veterinarian, Veterinary Intern

Job Summary

The Intake Technician is responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate processing of animals entering the shelter. This position works closely with the veterinary team, animal care staff, client services staff, and veterinary students to ensure newly admitted animals receive appropriate intake examinations, identification, vaccinations, parasite prevention, documentation, and placement according to Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) protocols.

The Intake Technician is expected to identify and promptly communicate medical, behavioral, identification, or welfare concerns to the appropriate supervisor or veterinarian. This position follows established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and does not have supervisory or disciplinary authority over other employees.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary students with intake examinations, treatments, diagnostics, and documentation as directed and outlined in CAA SOPs.
• Perform preliminary examinations on incoming animals and promptly report abnormal findings or concerns to the veterinarian, Clinic Manager, or Intake Supervisor.
• Scan all incoming animals for microchips and examine for other signs of ownership.
• Document microchip information, identification marks, collars, tags, tattoos, and other ownership indicators accurately in PetPoint.
• Ensure animals with identified ownership information or other signs of ownership are properly documented and routed according to CAA procedures.
• Administer deworming agents, external parasite treatments, vaccinations, and other routine intake treatments according to current protocols and veterinary direction.
• Accurately enter and update animal medical, identification, intake, and treatment information in PetPoint.
• Route incoming animals to the appropriate housing location based on their assigned stage, medical status, and shelter protocols.
• Ensure newly admitted animals have access to clean, fresh water and appropriate bedding or housing materials.
• Monitor animals during the intake process and communicate changes in health, behavior, appetite, mobility, or overall condition to the appropriate veterinary or supervisory staff.
• Follow established protocols for isolation, quarantine, medical holds, bite cases, stray animals, owner-requested services, and other special intake circumstances.
• Assist with safely handling and restraining animals for examinations, vaccinations, treatments, diagnostics, identification, and other procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and properly stocked intake work area.
• Clean and disinfect equipment, kennels, work surfaces, and other areas according to established shelter protocols.
• Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety procedures when handling animals, medications, chemicals, cleaning supplies, and medical equipment.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of intake supplies and notify the appropriate supervisor when supplies need to be replenished.
• Communicate promptly and professionally with Client Care, Animal Care, veterinary staff, and other departments regarding intake animals and any concerns requiring follow-up.
• Follow all CAA Standard Operating Procedures, safety protocols, animal welfare standards, and Employee Handbook requirements.
• Assist with maintaining accurate animal records and ensuring that all required intake documentation is completed before an animal is moved through the intake process.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and animal information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinic Manager or Operations Director.

Knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of this position:

• Supports and follows the mission and values of Companion Animal Alliance.
• Genuine concern for the care, welfare, and humane treatment of animals.
• Working knowledge of animal breeds, basic anatomy, common diseases, medical conditions, and animal behavior.
• Ability to safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.
• Ability to recognize abnormal physical or behavioral findings and communicate concerns promptly.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions, protocols, and SOPs.
• Ability to accurately enter and maintain detailed information in paper and computerized records.
• Working knowledge of or ability to learn PetPoint and other CAA systems.
• Ability to work effectively with veterinarians, veterinary students, technicians, all CAA staff, volunteers, interns, and members of the public.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, courteous, and professional in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and respond appropriately when multiple animals or medical needs require attention.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when assistance or escalation is necessary.
• Ability to adapt to changes in programs, procedures, staffing, and daily shelter needs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work as part of a team and maintain positive working relationships throughout CAA.

Required Professional Licensing or Certifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid Louisiana State Driver’s License.
• Previous animal shelter, veterinary, animal control, kennel, or animal care experience preferred.
• Veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, animal science, or related education/experience preferred.

Physical Demands:

The work is performed primarily in animal housing areas, the shelter clinic, intake areas, and other shelter surroundings.

This position requires the ability to:

• Walk and stand for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Safely handle and restrain animals of various sizes.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach, squat, and climb stairs.
• Push and pull equipment, kennels, carts, and other supplies.
• Repeatedly grasp, hold, and manipulate equipment and objects.
• Work around animal hair, dander, bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, noise, and odors.
• Wear appropriate PPE as required.
• Work in environments where temperatures and conditions may vary.

Title: Intake Technician

Company: COMPANION ANIMAL ALLIANCE

Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Category: