Veterinary Assistant

WellHaven PetHealth LLC; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

WellHaven PetHealth LLC is seeking a Veterinary Assistant in Denver, Colorado to support veterinarians and ensure the well-being of pets while engaging with clients. Ideal candidates have strong communication skills, technical veterinary abilities, and a focus on exceptional customer service.

This role includes responsibilities like maintaining medical charts, assisting with procedures, and educating clients on pet care. Experience in the veterinary field and the ability to handle diverse animals is preferred.

The position is on-site with no remote work available and may require 10+ hour shifts.

Qualifications

• 6+ months of experience in the veterinary industry.
• Ability to handle dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
• Experience providing basic animal care, including feeding and grooming.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians and technicians in day-to-day operations.
• Engage with clients and educate them on pet care.
• Maintain accurate medical charting for all patients.

Skills

Technical skills in surgery

Communication skills

Customer service focus

Compassion and empathy

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Completion of NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program

Job description

Job Summary: The Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting veterinarians and veterinary technicians, ensuring the well-being of pets, educating clients, and maintaining the highest standards of veterinary care.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate proficiency in applying technical skills acquired through education and experience, including surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, restraint techniques, and strict adherence to protocols for a sterile and safe environment.
• Contribute to the day‑to‑day efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital.
• Utilize exceptional communication skills to engage with team members and clients.
• Maintain thorough and accurate medical charting for all patients, consistently meeting hospital quality control standards.
• Educate clients about Wellness Plans, offering guidance on pet care and overall health as appropriate.
• Assume responsibility for select reception duties such as answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, and facilitating patient intake and discharge.
• Obtain pertinent medical history and patient information.
• Assist in managing hospital supplies, including inventory tracking and restocking as necessary.
• Ensure the completion of all assigned hospital duties before the end of each shift.
• Act as an advocate for the overall success and performance of the hospital.

Customer Service Delivery

• Consistently provide professional, efficient, and exceptional service.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills when interacting with the veterinary team and clients.
• Effectively adapt to individual clients and their needs.
• Effectively resolve customer complaints as appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Adhere to OSHA standards and regulations as outlined in company policies.
• Ability to perform other job duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Enhance and acquire new veterinary technical skills such as proficiency in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and dentistry.
• Work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Remain action‑oriented and effectively set priorities.
• Work well in an extremely fast‑paced work environment, remaining calm and resilient.
• Exhibit proactive initiative in addressing tasks and challenges as they arise.
• Complete work, maintaining a high level of accuracy while managing constant interruptions.
• Learn new computer software systems (EMR, Scheduling, etc.).
• Provide a high level of accountability.

Experience / Knowledge

• Handling dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
• Providing basic animal care, such as feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness.
• Common medical procedures, including administering medications, wound care, and assisting with diagnostic tests.

Demonstrated Abilities

• Strong customer service focus while effectively adapting to individual clients and their needs.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a variety of emotional situations – remaining empathetic, compassionate, and approachable.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 6+ months of experience in the veterinary industry.
• Completion of an NAVTA‑approved veterinary assistant program or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities (preferred).

Work Location, Environment & Physical Requirements

• The Vet Assistant position is performed onsite at our hospital or at an approved off‑site event location. Remote work is not available for this position.
• Hospital environment includes limited space, smells from pet waste, and noise (barking, etc.).
• Schedules may include 10+ hour shifts, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays.
• Good hand‑eye coordination, arm‑hand‑finger dexterity with the ability to reach and grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment, and read information.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds.