Veterinary Assistant - Specialty & Critical Care

Veritas Veterinary Partners • Wheat Ridge, CO

22h • Onsite

About The Position

Veritas Veterinary Partners is hiring a motivated, team-focused Veterinary Assistant to support clinical operations at an onsite partner hospital specializing in emergency and specialty care. The role is available in Surgery, Neurology, and Emergency & Critical Care. The assistant works under the direction and supervision of veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, assisting with patient care, diagnostic procedures, handling, feeding, cleaning, and other clinical support tasks. No formal credential is required; completion of a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program is valued.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position at a 24-hour hospital. Specialty departments generally schedule four 10-hour day shifts. Emergency & Critical Care shifts may consist of four 10-hour or three 12-hour shifts, across day, swing, and overnight schedules. The role involves frequent physical activity, including standing, lifting, and animal handling for extended periods, and interaction with patients with varying degrees of illness or injury and clients in emotional distress. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours are part of the schedule.

The posted pay range is $19–$23 per hour based on experience, with swing and overnight differentials. The posting also lists base pay as $19–$28 USD.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience in a veterinary, animal care, or clinical support environment, or completion of a veterinary assistant training program.
• Ability to safely and humanely handle and restrain animals of various species, sizes, and temperaments.
• Strong observational skills and ability to clearly and promptly communicate changes in patients.
• Reliable, organized, and responsive, with a positive and collaborative attitude.
• Comfort working in a clinical environment with exposure to biological materials, animal waste, and clinical noise.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program.
• Experience in a specialty or emergency veterinary hospital.
• Enrollment in or completion of an AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program.
• Familiarity with anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, or other advanced clinical support tasks.
• Fluency in additional languages.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians with patient restraint and handling during examinations, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and sample collection.
• Monitor hospitalized patients for changes in condition, behavior, appetite, and elimination, and promptly report observations to the supervising technician or veterinarian.
• Feed, water, and exercise patients according to care plans and clinical-team direction.
• Prepare patients for examinations or treatment by arranging appropriate positioning, restraint materials, and the environment.
• Safely transport patients between care areas as directed.
• Assist with specimen collection and preparation for in-house and reference laboratory submission under technician or veterinarian direction.
• Prepare and clean treatment and examination areas, ensuring they are stocked and ready for use.
• Assist with pharmacy support tasks, including prescription preparation assistance as permitted by state practice regulations.
• Support client communication by reinforcing discharge instructions in plain language as directed.
• Maintain accurate patient care records in the practice management system as directed.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, examination rooms, and treatment areas according to hospital infection-control standards.
• Manage laundry, restock supplies, and maintain kennels throughout the shift.
• Dispose of biological waste and soiled materials according to hospital safety protocols and applicable guidelines.
• Promptly report equipment malfunctions, supply shortages, and safety concerns to a supervisor.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment by accepting feedback and direction and supporting teammates.

Benefits

• Uniforms provided and yearly uniform allowance.
• Discount on veterinary care for employees’ pets.
• Trupanion Pet Insurance.
• Learning and growth opportunities.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• 401(k) retirement plan options with company match for full-time team members.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance options for full-time team members.
• Basic life insurance at no cost and other benefit options for full-time team members.
• Paid time off and paid holidays for full-time team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed