Veterinary Assistant

Humane Society Pikes Peak Region•Pueblo, CO

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and the veterinary team in providing compassionate medical care to animals in the shelter and surgery programs. The role assists with examinations, treatments, surgical preparation, patient recovery, and post-operative care; administers medications and treatments as directed; and helps maintain accurate medical records and high standards of animal care. The position also involves daily animal care, kennel cleaning, supply restocking, and assisting with humane euthanasia when necessary. The Veterinary Assistant works collaboratively with shelter staff, volunteers, and other departments to support positive outcomes for animals. This is a full-time, on-site position in Pueblo, Colorado. The regular schedule includes at least one weekend day, and occasional evening, holiday, and additional weekend work may be required based on organizational needs. The role is active and hands-on, involving extended periods of standing and walking, frequent lifting and moving of animals and equipment weighing 25 pounds or more, occasional lifting of 40 pounds or more, and frequent bending, kneeling, reaching, and crouching. Employees work around animals, animal allergens, cleaning agents, and varying environmental conditions. Employment is contingent on authorizing a background check through HSPPR and ProScreening. The check includes a criminal investigation, verification of citizenship or immigration status, and a motor vehicle record.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
Ability to perform basic math and solve routine problems.
Compassion, patience, and professionalism when working with animals and people.
Comfort handling animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.
Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records.
Ability to prioritize tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to frequently lift and move animals and equipment weighing 25 pounds or more, and occasionally 40 pounds or more.
Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and crouch.
Ability to work around animals, animal allergens, cleaning agents, and varying environmental conditions.
Availability for a regular schedule that includes at least one weekend day; occasional evening, holiday, and additional weekend work may be required.
Authorization for a background check, including criminal investigation, citizenship/immigration status verification, and motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

Previous animal handling experience.
Experience in a veterinary clinic, shelter, or animal care environment.

Responsibilities

Assist veterinarians during examinations and treatments.
Safely restrain and handle animals during medical procedures.
Administer medications and treatments as directed.
Calculate medication dosages accurately.
Monitor and communicate patient status and medical concerns.
Assist with surgical preparation, patient recovery, and post-operative care.
Maintain accurate medical records and enter data into shelter software.
Clean kennels and provide daily animal care.
Restock medical and surgical supplies.
Assist with humane euthanasia procedures when necessary.
Work collaboratively with shelter staff, volunteers, and other departments to support positive outcomes for animals.