Veterinary Support Associate
About The Position
The Veterinary Support Associate is a full-time, on-site role in Pueblo, Colorado, with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR). This position provides advanced patient care and surgical support for animals in a shelter medicine setting, helping patients recover and supporting HSPPR’s animal welfare mission. The role involves working with a wide variety of medical cases in a fast-paced environment and coordinating with veterinary, shelter, foster, volunteer, and adoption teams. The associate supports veterinarians with examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures; provides nursing care and patient monitoring; and assists with treatment and vaccination protocols. The role also includes care for hospitalized and isolation patients, medical documentation, in-house testing and radiographs, volunteer and team support, and assistance with humane euthanasia when necessary. The regular schedule includes at least one weekend day and may include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts based on operational needs. Applicants must authorize a background check before an employment start date is confirmed. Offers are contingent on the background check being completed to HSPPR’s satisfaction.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Prior animal handling experience.
- At least two years of experience in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or similar veterinary setting.
- Ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, and perform medical calculations.
- Ability to work a schedule that includes at least one weekend day; evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may also be required based on operational needs.
Nice To Haves
- Veterinary Assistant Certificate from an accredited institution.
- Enrollment in or completion of a Veterinary Technician program.
- Previous shelter medicine experience.
Responsibilities
- Assist veterinarians during examinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
- Draw blood, place IV catheters, administer medications, and provide nursing care.
- Calculate drug dosages and fluid rates accurately.
- Monitor anesthesia and assist with surgical preparation and recovery.
- Intubate and extubate patients and monitor them during procedures.
- Perform in-house laboratory testing and radiographs.
- Triage incoming medical cases and communicate patient status to veterinarians and staff.
- Provide care for hospitalized, isolation, foster, and recovering patients.
- Maintain accurate medical records and update shelter software systems.
- Support vaccination and treatment protocols.
- Provide medical care for animals in parvovirus and ringworm isolation wards.
- Train and assist volunteers, externs, and team members as needed.
- Assist with humane euthanasia procedures when necessary.
- Collaborate with veterinary, shelter, foster, and adoption teams to support the best possible outcomes for animals.
Benefits
- Health insurance.
- 401(k) with employer matching up to 4% of salary.
- Dental and vision plans.
- Supplemental group life insurance.
- Short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Holidays.
- Direct deposit.
- Personal pet perks.
- Wellness programs.
- Paid sabbatical after five years of employment.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
