Veterinary Support Associate

Humane Society Pikes Peak Region•Pueblo, CO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Support Associate is a full-time, on-site member of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region’s medical team in Pueblo, Colorado. The role provides advanced patient care and surgical support for animals throughout treatment and recovery, contributing to HSPPR’s work in compassionate care, safe communities, and socially conscious sheltering. The position involves shelter medicine in a fast-paced environment and collaboration with veterinary, shelter, foster, adoption, volunteer, and other teams. The associate supports examinations, diagnostics, treatments, surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, isolation care, vaccination and treatment protocols, and medical recordkeeping. The role may also involve humane euthanasia procedures. The schedule includes at least one weekend day and may include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts based on operational needs. Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent; prior animal-handling experience; and at least two years of experience in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or similar veterinary setting. A Veterinary Assistant Certificate and enrollment in or completion of a Veterinary Technician program are preferred. The position requires frequent physical activity and handling animals and equipment. Employment is contingent on a background check that includes criminal investigation, citizenship/immigration status verification, and a motor vehicle record.

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.
Veterinary patient-care and clinical-procedure skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple medical cases calmly and confidently.
Compassion toward animals and professionalism when interacting with clients, volunteers, and coworkers.
Strong attention to detail and medical documentation skills.
Adaptability and comfort working in a fast-paced environment.
Team-focused approach and commitment to HSPPR’s mission and values.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day.
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, crouch, and reach.
Ability to work around animals, animal allergens, cleaning agents, varying environmental conditions, medical procedures, infectious disease wards, and shelter environments.
Authorize a pre-employment background check, including a criminal investigation, citizenship/immigration status verification, and motor vehicle record.

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.
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.
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.