6 Veterinary Technician jobs in South Africa

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets, people and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We're the future of the pet industry
• We're here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We're welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We're focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what's good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this Veterinarian Technician position inherently involves providing excellent veterinary care to our Vetco Total Care full-service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. The Veterinary Technician represents the mission and values to all clients and partners. Our Veterinary Technicians set the tone for the technical and customer support team in the hospital, and are responsible, like all team members, for fostering cohesion and motivation within the hospital partners.

All hospital partners are responsible for performing duties in a way that creates an environment in which:

• The patient's needs always come first.

• Every team member understands that they have the power to do what it takes to create an exceptional customer and patient experience.

• contentious issues are dealt with and resolved as they occur when possible, or as soon as is possible.

• exceptional teamwork and commitment to shared goals benefits the entire organization.

Essential Job Functions:

The incumbent must be able to perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments or walk-ins and escort into an exam room, obtain weight and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, pain score, body condition score), record all in the electronic medical record, and begin documentation of the patient visit in the electronic medical record by obtaining and recording a thorough patient history.

• Assist veterinarian with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia's, taking direct supervision from the veterinarian(s) and the Hospital Office Manager or Hospital Leader on Duty.

• Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian, and maintain the electronic medical record.

• Schedule appointments, communicate with and educate clients, relay test results to doctor and clients, maintain and update inventory as well as client/patient records, and manage accounts receivable.

• Prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures, safely support induction and monitoring of anesthetized patients including checking and recording vital parameters (under direction of the veterinarian), monitor patients during recovery, and prepare them for discharge to owner or transfer to an overnight care facility as needed.

• Provide in-hospital treatments for sick patients including giving injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous therapies; keep patients clean, watered, and fed (when indicated and directed by veterinarian), and safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.

• Participate in the training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required.

• Keep hospital environment neat and clean; perform regular cleaning of environment based on necessity as well as based on a pre-determined maintenance schedule.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed.

Nature of Supervision:

In all activities related to the care of patients, the Veterinary Technician will take direct supervision from the veterinarians as well as the Hospital Office Manager or Hospital Leader on Duty. For purposes of overall supervision, the Veterinary Technician takes direction from the Hospital Office Manager.

Planning and Problem Solving:

Like all team members, the Veterinary Technician plays a crucial role in ensuring that day-to-day operation of the hospital is efficient and provides an optimal experience for our patients and clients.

Impact:

This position will impact the organization by contributing to the growth of a productive practice while focusing on a high-quality standard of care. From an overall hospital organizational standpoint, this position in critical to ensuring that we have a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated technical team. The desired result is the creation of an optimal environment that ensures employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no immediate supervisory duties.

Education/Experience:

• College or college-equivalent education (completed) as required in becoming a Credentialed Veterinary Technician in the state in which the hospital is located.

• Must have at least 1-year previous experience as a Veterinary Technician or working in a veterinary practice.

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Must be compassionate and sympathetic and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations.

• Must have telephone and computer skills.

• Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change.

Work Environment:

The majority of job duties are conducted in the Vetco Total Care full-service hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.

Contacts:

This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

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• Resource Allocation : Managing budgetary and resource allocation decisions to support the institution's mission and goals.


• Process Improvement : Identifying and implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies to enhance service delivery and reduce costs.


• Strategic Planning : Collaborating with Executive Manager: Animals and Biotechnology to develop and execute strategic plans that align with the institution's mission and vision.


• Lead and Direct : Lead and Direct the Institute’s Research and Management Agenda.


• Shared Services Management : Collaborating with the Executive Manager: Shared Services/ Corporate Support, in overseeing the shared services functions within the institution, ensuring they operate cohesively and meet their respective objectives.


• Policy Implementation : Ensuring that policies, procedures, and regulations are effectively communicated and adhered to throughout the Institute.


• Performance Evaluation : Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the institution's performance and make data-driven decisions.


• Risk Management : Identifying and mitigating operational risks and challenges that could impact the institution's mission or reputation.


• Stakeholder Relations : Building and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.


• Innovation and Technology : Promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and practices to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness.


• Emergency Response and Continuity Planning : Implementing plans for emergency response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.


• Compliance and Legal Affairs : Ensuring that the institution complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.


• Human Resources Management : Collaborating with Human Capital Business Partner, oversee personnel, including hiring, training, and performance management, to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.


• Financial Management : Collaborating with Finance Business Partner, oversee Institute’s finances and financial health, budget and cost management and financial reporting.


• Communication and Reporting : Providing regular updates to Executive leadership, governing boards, and other stakeholders on operational performance and progress toward goals.


• Conflict Resolution : Handling internal conflicts and disputes within the Institute in a fair and constructive manner.


• Crisis Management : Leading the institution's response to crises or emergencies, coordinating efforts to mitigate negative impacts.


• Ethical Leadership : Upholding and promoting ethical standards and values within the organisation, setting a positive example for all employees.


• Stakeholder Engagement : Engaging with Stakeholders to understand their needs and concerns and ensuring the institution's services are responsive to those needs.

• A Veterinary Science degree (e.g BVSc) with a PhD in Life Sciences or equivalent doctoral degree ( e.g. Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or Vaccinology).


• A five (5) year post-qualification experience in managing Research and Development and Service Delivery at senior level.


• A ten (10) year management in service delivery and research and development at middle management level will also be considered.


• A good record in research and development, service delivery, project management, partnership development and collaboration.


• Experience in budget formulation and financial management.


• Experience in management of human resources.


• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills.


• Valid driver’s license. 


• Good communication (written and verbal) skills.

Enquiries: Dr Andrew Magadlela - Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 10 OCTOBER 2025

 A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity   Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

 Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees. Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

 A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. Permanent appointments are   subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

Company Description
Nova's Legacy cheetah project

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for an Animal Care Taker at Nova's Legacy Cheetah Project, located in Bela-Bela. The Animal Care Taker will be responsible for the day-to-day care and well-being of the animals. This includes feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health conditions, and providing enrichment activities. The role also involves assisting with veterinary visits, maintaining records, and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all the animals. Handling guests and conducting occasional educational tours are part of the job.

Qualifications

• Animal Care and Animal Work skills
• Experience in Animal Health and Pet Care
• Experience with horse care or horse riding skills are a plus
• Strong observational and attention to detail abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Hospitality or handling guests
• Physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in various conditions
• Relevant certifications in animal care or related fields are a plus
• Passion for wildlife conservation and animal welfare