Veterinary Assistant

Western Veterinary Partners; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to $500

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Aspen Tree Animal Care is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team and support exceptional experiences for clients and patients across hospital care. You will engage in patient care, client communication, surgery, dentistry, and outpatient procedures in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

We value dependable, motivated individuals who stay organized, anticipate needs, and provide compassionate care at every stage of the patient journey.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a veterinary assistant or related role.
• Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and patient care principles.
• Surgical assistance and aseptic technique required or training provided.
• Experience with dental prophylaxis and radiographs preferred but not required.
• Ability to maintain accurate medical records and documentation.
• Strong client communication and compassionate interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assisting veterinarians during exams, treatments, surgeries and dentistry.
• Provide safe patient handling and restraint during outpatient care.
• Prepare patients, equipment and treatment areas for procedures.
• Monitor anesthesia and support patient recovery as directed.
• Perform dental prophylaxis and dental radiographs.
• Review treatment plans and discharge instructions with clients clearly.
• Build positive client relationships through education and service.

Skills

Veterinary terminology

Surgical assistance

Dental radiographs

Patient care

Venipuncture/IV

Medical records

Client communication

Lab sample collection

Multi-tasking

Job description

Aspen Tree Animal Care is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team and support exceptional experiences for our clients and patients across all aspects of hospital care.

This is a great opportunity for a veterinary assistant who enjoys a dynamic, hands-on role and is eager to build upon a diverse clinical skillset. You'll gain experience in patient care, client communication, surgery, dentistry, and outpatient procedures while working alongside a collaborative and supportive team. We are looking for dependable, motivated individuals who excel in a fast-paced environment, stay organized while managing multiple priorities, communicate professionally, anticipate the needs of patients and teammates, and are committed to providing exceptional care throughout every stage of the patient experience.

In this position, you will take an active role in:

• Assisting veterinarians during exams, treatments, surgical procedures, and dentistry
• Providing safe, gentle patient handling and restraint during outpatient and procedural care
• Preparing patients, equipment, and treatment areas for appointments and procedures
• Monitoring anesthesia and supporting patient recovery as directed by the veterinary team
• Performing dental prophylaxis and dental radiography
• Reviewing treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions with clients clearly and compassionately
• Building positive client relationships through education, communication, and attentive service

Schedule and compensation:

• Compensation: $ 20 - $24 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is a full-time position, with a 4/10 schedule and availability needed Monday-Friday with rotating Saturdays.

Full-time Benefits Package*:

• Bonus package: Up to $500 depending on experience
• Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law

*Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law

Minimum qualifications and skill set:

• 3+ years of experience in a veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel assistant, or related role preferred
• Proficiency in the following skills:
  
  • Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and patient care principles
  • Surgical assistance and aseptic technique
  • Dental prophylaxis and dental radiographs preferred but willing to train
  • Ability to assist with exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures
  • Ability to maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation
  • Venipuncture and intravenous catheter placement
  • Laboratory sample collection and in-house diagnostic testing
  • Compassionate, professional communication with clients and team members
  • Pocket pet, reptile, and avian, preferred but not required

Why choose Aspen Tree Animal Care?

Aspen Tree Animal Care is a trusted veterinary clinic dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for pets in Durango, Colorado. With a team of four experienced DVMs and caring support staff, they offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient. From routine wellness exams and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures, emergency care, and exotic pet medicine, Aspen Tree Animal Care is equipped to provide comprehensive care for a diverse range of species and medical needs. Their state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to excellence ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. As a cornerstone of pet healthcare in the local community, Aspen Tree Animal Care is cherished by both pets and their families alike.

This is a good-faith estimate based on the role's requirements at the time of posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and other benefits depending on role and location. A complete description of benefits available for this position will be provided during the hiring process. Where required under applicable law, Company provides eligible employees with paid sick leave, health emergency leave, and other legally mandated benefits programs, all in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local law depending on the location of the practice you support.

$20 - $24 USD

Western Veterinary Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Western Veterinary Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail]. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and the legitimate needs of the business.

Voluntary Self-Identification

As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify demographic information for compliance and reporting purposes. Completion of this form is entirely voluntary and refusal to provide this information will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

Any information provided will be kept confidential and maintained in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This information will not be used in making hiring decisions.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.