Veterinary Assistant

Dumb Friends League; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with matching

Flexible spending accounts

PTO

Paid sick time

Sabbatical

Holiday Pay

Employee discounts

Discounted Pet Insurance

Job summary

Humane Colorado is seeking a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to support the shelter veterinary services team. You will assist technicians and veterinarians, administer medications, and help with daily clinic operations to ensure excellent patient care.

Posting notes emphasize high hygiene standards, data entry accuracy, and the ability to work across shifts and with volunteers. The role involves direct animal handling and potential travel between sites.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal communication with patrons and staff.
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with veterinary staff.
• High attention to detail in medical records and processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist technicians and veterinarians in medical and surgical procedures.
• Administer medications to shelter animals as directed.
• Maintain clean and disinfected surgical and medical areas.
• Maintain medical equipment and supplies.
• Handle and restrain animals before and after procedures.
• Perform data entry to update animal records.
• Answer phones, greet patrons, schedule appointments, and fill prescriptions.
• Lead process-improvement initiatives.
• Assist in surgery preparation and post-operative recovery.
• Provide training to staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Identify and perform sample diagnostic tests as directed.
• Travel to different work sites may be required.

Skills

Strong interpersonal communication

Microsoft Office proficiency

Teamwork ability

High attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

Are you compassionate about animals and have a desire to speak for those who cannot? For over 115 years, Humane Colorado has been working to end pet homelessness and animal suffering by providing a strong and steadfast voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. As the largest community-based animal welfare organization in the region, we care for more than 20,000 homeless pets and horses each year at our four facilities and are a national model in animal welfare. If you work well with people too, join our team and help us provide that voice.

Purpose of Position

Assist the shelter veterinary services team in providing medical care and treatment for animals, and exceptional customer service to patrons.

Responsibilities

• Assist technicians and veterinarians in the performance of medical and surgical procedures.
• Administer medications as directed to shelter animals.
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain surgical and medical areas.
• Maintain medical equipment and supplies.
• Handle and move animals prior to and following medical procedures, restraining animals as needed.
• Perform data entry to update animal records.
• Perform clinic reception duties including handling incoming phone calls, greeting and assisting patrons, scheduling appointments, and filling prescription orders.
• Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures.
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks.
• Assist in the induction and preparation of animals for surgery.
• Recover animals from surgery and teach other staff, volunteers, and interns on how to perform the task.
• Identify, assist with and be able to perform sample diagnostic testing as directed.
• Perform clinic reception duties including handling incoming phone calls, greeting and assisting patrons, scheduling appointments, and filling prescription orders.
• Contribute to and lead initiatives to improve processes and procedures.
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks.

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and Humane Colorado business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources.

Organizational Key Competencies

• Integrity and Ethics
• Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
• Customer and Community Focus
• Emotional Intelligence
• Excellence

Position Key Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Conflict Management

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Volunteers

Travel

• This position may require travel to different work sites

Shift Details: Four, 10-hour shifts

Full-Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• 401(k) with matching
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Sabbatical
• Holiday Pay
• Employee discounts
• Discounted Pet Insurance
• and more!

Compensation: $20.60 - $21.52 per hour (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Exposure to radiation in association with performing radiology procedures. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Repetitive motion associated with medical and surgical care. Frequent lifting of animals and objects up to 40 pounds with reasonable accommodation.

Posting will remain open until filled, with a minimum posting period of 5 days.

Requirements

Position Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to work in a team environment
• High attention to detail

Required

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Work Experience: Professional experience in animal welfare/ working with animals
• Special Training, Certification or Licensure: None

Desired

• Experience working in a veterinary clinic or similar environment
• Working knowledge of current veterinary practices
• Veterinary assistant certification