Veterinary Assistant

WellHaven Pet Health • Castle Pines, CO

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in promoting pet well-being, educating clients, and maintaining high standards of veterinary care. The role contributes to efficient hospital operations through veterinary technical support, patient care, client communication, accurate medical charting, reception duties, and supply management. The position is performed onsite at a hospital or approved offsite event location; remote work is not available. The hospital environment may involve limited space, pet-waste odors, and noise. Schedules may include shifts of 10 or more hours, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays.

The role requires technical capability in areas such as surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, and safe restraint, as well as adherence to sterile-environment protocols. The Veterinary Assistant also provides basic animal care and assists with common medical procedures. Candidates should be able to work independently in a fast-paced, frequently interrupted setting, remain calm and empathetic with clients, and maintain accuracy and accountability. The position includes physical activity such as standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing, and the ability to lift more than 50 pounds. Exposure may include animals that bite or scratch, biological hazards, anesthesia medications, radiation near X-ray equipment, and prescription medications, including controlled substances.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 6 months of experience in the veterinary industry.
• Ability to handle dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
• Experience or knowledge in basic animal care, including feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring animals for signs of distress or illness.
• Experience or knowledge of common medical procedures, including administering medications, wound care, and assisting with diagnostic tests.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to multitask, set priorities, and remain action-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain calm and resilient while managing frequent interruptions and changing tasks.
• Ability to complete work accurately and demonstrate accountability.
• Ability to learn computer software systems, including EMR and scheduling systems.
• Strong customer-service focus and excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage emotionally varied situations with empathy, compassion, and approachability.
• Ability to lift more than 50 pounds and to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb.
• Good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity, reach and grasp ability, and visual acuity for keyboard use, equipment operation, and reading.
• Specific vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of an NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ability or willingness to acquire additional veterinary technical skills, including anesthesia, surgical assistance, and dentistry.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical skills in surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, and animal restraint while following protocols for a sterile and safe environment.
• Contribute to the day-to-day efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital.
• Communicate effectively with team members and clients.
• Maintain thorough and accurate medical charts in accordance with hospital quality-control standards.
• Educate clients about Wellness Plans and provide guidance on pet care and overall health as appropriate.
• Perform assigned reception duties, including answering calls, scheduling appointments, and facilitating patient intake and discharge.
• Obtain relevant medical history and patient information.
• Help manage hospital supplies by tracking inventory and restocking as needed.
• Complete assigned hospital duties before the end of each shift.
• Support the overall success and performance of the hospital.
• Provide professional, efficient, and exceptional customer service, adapting to clients’ individual needs and resolving complaints as appropriate.
• Follow OSHA standards and company policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and a benefits package; details are provided on the company benefits webpage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED