Hospital Discharge Volunteer

The GTHS Animal Hospital contains an Operating Room, Treatment Room, Examination Room, Pharmacy, X-Ray Room and a Hospital Intake / Recovery Area.

Having an onsite hospital ensures animals receive timely, thorough and comprehensive care, saves dozens of daily phone calls, reduces trips back and forth to veterinary clinics, dramatically decreases the stress on the GTHS animals, and leads to the additional benefit of earlier adoption availability; so these animals find their forever home quickly. The GTHS Animal Hospital also assists local pet owners in need by providing essential vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries for their pets.

In 2022, the Hospital Team facilitated 2515 surgeries, of which 1355 were spay/neuter surgeries for locally owned cats and dogs, 127 were for Community (feral) Cats and 99 were for other rescue clients; the remaining surgeries were performed on animals being cared for by the GTHS. Additionally, as part of our Outreach activities, 71 owned animals were microchipped and 202 were immunized against rabies.

Description
Reporting to the Hospital Coordinator (and the Director of Medicine), the Hospital Discharge Volunteer will be responsible for overseeing the cleanliness of the Hospital Intake Room and discharging animals to the public after their Hospital appointment / surgery.
Time Commitment
Monday to Thursday 2.30-4pm or Fridays twice a month 2.30-4pm. Available shifts will be discussed at time of recruitment. A minimum commitment of 6 months is required.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • 18 years of age minimum
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Demonstrates understanding and passion for animal welfare
  • Diligent compliance with guidelines and protocols for personal and animal safety
  • Self-motivated and energetic, with proven ability to complete tasks with competency and accuracy
  • Basic math (for calculating cost of services)
  • Able to work in a very fast paced environment
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Works cooperatively and effectively with others
  • A criminal record (police) check is required
Working Conditions:
  • Physical demands of the position include bending, kneeling and carrying cats in carriers with a potential maximum weight of 7.6kg / 16.75lb
Qualifications
  • Public hospital discharges
    • Check cats are sufficiently awake and their cones are on
    • Speak to pet owners to relay how the surgery went and if there were any concerns
    • Ensure pet owners understand post-op and medication instructions
    • Review microchip information, as appropriate
    • Return cats to their owners and coordinate with the Hospital RVT to bring dogs out to their owners
    • Accept payment for services, as appropriate
  • Set up the Hospital Intake Room for the following morning’s intakes; including making kennel cards and labels for the next day’s animals
  • Set up dog kennels in the garage/storage area, if additional kennels are required
  • Clean and tidy the Hospital Intake Room once animals have departed; including wiping down kennels, tidying up, sweeping and mopping the floor
  • Assist with minor animal handling; including putting a cat’s cone back on if removed by them, or helping the Hospital RVT dress a dog in a onesie
  • Assist the Hospital Coordinator or hospital staff as required
  • Follow appropriate protocol, legislation and regulations

Stay informed on GTHS events, initiatives and programs. Learn how the GTHS team is serving the pets and people of the South Georgian Bay Area. Read heart-warming Happy Tails about GTHS Alumni. See a lot of really cute pictures of dogs and cats!