Veterinary Assistant - Specialty & Critical Care

Veritas Veterinary Partners • Wheat Ridge, CO

2h • $19 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

Veritas Veterinary Partners seeks a motivated, team-focused veterinary assistant to support clinical operations at a partner hospital. Working under the direction and supervision of veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, the assistant performs a range of patient-care and clinical-support tasks. In keeping with AVMA guidelines, the role may include assisting with diagnostic procedures, patient restraint and handling, feeding, cleaning, and other activities that keep the hospital running smoothly. Formal credentialing is not required; completion of a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program is recognized and valued.

This is a full-time, onsite position at a 24-hour specialty and emergency hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The role involves frequent physical activity in clinical areas, including standing, lifting, and animal handling for extended periods. The associate regularly works with patients with varying degrees of illness or injury and interacts with clients who may be in emotional distress. Exposure to animals, medical equipment, clinical noise, and the intensity of a specialty and emergency hospital is expected. Hours include evenings, weekends, and holidays in line with 24-hour hospital operations.

The stated salary range is $19.00–$23.00 per hour based on experience, with a $3.00-per-hour swing differential and a $5.00-per-hour overnight differential. The posting also lists base pay of $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 communicate patient changes clearly and promptly.
• 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 individual care plans and direction from the clinical team.
• Prepare patients for examination or treatment by arranging appropriate positioning, restraint materials, and environmental setup.
• 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, clean, and ready for use.
• Assist with pharmacy support tasks, including prescription preparation assistance as permitted by state practice regulations.
• Support client communication, including 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, exam rooms, and treatment areas 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 being receptive to feedback and direction and supporting teammates with a willing, growth-oriented attitude.

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