Veterinary Assistant - Specialty & Critical Care

veritasvetpartners; Wheat Ridge (CO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Veritas Veterinary Partners seeks a motivated veterinary assistant to support clinical operations at our partner hospital in Wheat Ridge, CO. You will assist veterinarians and credentialed technicians with patient restraint, examination support and daily care tasks in a fast-paced clinical setting.

No formal credentialing is required, though completion of a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program is recognized and valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in veterinary, animal care or clinical support.
• Demonstrated ability to safely handle and restrain animals of various species.
• Strong observational skills and ability to communicate patient changes clearly.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians with patient restraint and handling during examinations, diagnostic procedures, treatments and sample collection.
• Monitor hospitalized patients for changes in condition, behavior, appetite and elimination, reporting observations promptly to the supervising technician or veterinarian.
• Feed, water and exercise patients according to individual care plans as directed by the clinical team.
• Prepare patients for examination or treatment by ensuring appropriate positioning, restraint materials and environmental setup.
• Transport patients safely between care areas as directed.
• Assist with specimen collection and preparation for in-house and reference laboratory submission.
• Support preparation and cleanup of treatment and examination areas, ensuring spaces are properly stocked, cleaned and ready for use.
• Assist with pharmacy support tasks including prescription preparation assistance as permitted by state practice regulations.
• Support the clinical team with client communication tasks including reinforcing discharge instructions in plain language as directed.
• Maintain accurate patient care records within the practice management system as directed.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, exam rooms and treatment areas to hospital infection control standards.
• Manage laundry, supply restocking and kennel upkeep throughout the shift.
• Dispose of biological waste and soiled materials in accordance with hospital safety protocols and applicable guidelines.
• Report equipment malfunctions, supply shortages or safety concerns to the supervisor promptly.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment by remaining open to feedback and direction.

Skills

Animal care

Patient handling

Observational skills

Communication

Education

NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program

Job description

World Class Medicine.

Purpose-Driven Partnership.

Veritas Veterinary Partners offer exciting career opportunities in state-of-the-art facilities across the U.S. Our hospitals are staffed by board-certified specialists, create a collaborative environment where you can work alongside like-minded, caring professionals. If you're passionate about veterinary medicine, this is your chance to thrive in a dynamic, high-quality setting.

At Veritas Veterinary Partners, our mission is to build a network of trust and opportunity for veterinary professionals nationwide. We specialize in supporting Specialty and Emergency care hospitals, aligning with your unique goals and medical standards. Veritas, founded by Thomas Scavelli, DVM, DACVS, is dedicated to recruiting top-tier talent and fostering collaboration within our community. With a focus on exceptional care, we bring together highly trained veterinarians, technicians, and teammates committed to our patients' well-being.

We believe in Truth in Medicine and Trust in Partnerships , ensuring we always provide the highest standard of care. Come join us and make a meaningful impact on the community you serve.

Full-time | Non-Exempt | Onsite, 24-hour specialty and emergency hospital

Reports to: Patient Care Supervisor, Technician Supervisor, Patient Care Manager or Technician Manager

Location: 10140 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Department Openings: Surgery, Neurology, Emergency & Critical Care

Position Summary

Veritas Veterinary Partners seeks a motivated and team-focused veterinary assistant to support clinical operations at a partner hospital. The veterinary assistant works under the direction and supervision of veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians to assist with a broad range of patient care and clinical support tasks.

Consistent with AVMA guidelines, veterinary assistants support the veterinarian and veterinary technician in daily tasks and may assist with diagnostic procedures, patient restraint and handling, feeding, cleaning and other activities that keep the hospital running smoothly. No formal credentialing is required for this role, though completion of a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program is recognized and valued.

Salary & Schedule

Salary

• $19.00 - $23.00/hour, based on experience
• $3.00/hr swing differential
• $5.00/hr overnight differential

Schedule

• Specialty departments include four 10-hour day shifts
• ECC to include four 10-hour or three 12-hour shifts, days / swings / overnights

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Care Support

• Assist veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians with patient restraint and handling during examinations, diagnostic procedures, treatments and sample collection.
• Monitor hospitalized patients for changes in condition, behavior, appetite and elimination, reporting observations promptly to the supervising technician or veterinarian.
• Feed, water and exercise patients according to individual care plans as directed by the clinical team.
• Prepare patients for examination or treatment by ensuring appropriate positioning, restraint materials and environmental setup.
• Transport patients safely between care areas as directed.

Clinical Support

• Assist with specimen collection and preparation for in-house and reference laboratory submission under technician or veterinarian direction.
• Support preparation and cleanup of treatment and examination areas, ensuring spaces are properly stocked, cleaned and ready for use.
• Assist with pharmacy support tasks including prescription preparation assistance as permitted by state practice regulations.
• Support the clinical team with client communication tasks including reinforcing discharge instructions in plain language as directed.
• Maintain accurate patient care records within the practice management system as directed.

Facility and Kennel Care

• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, exam rooms and treatment areas to hospital infection control standards.
• Manage laundry, supply restocking and kennel upkeep throughout the shift.
• Dispose of biological waste and soiled materials in accordance with hospital safety protocols and applicable guidelines.
• Report equipment malfunctions, supply shortages or safety concerns to the supervisor promptly.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment by remaining open to feedback and direction, and supporting teammates with a willing and growth-oriented attitude.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in a veterinary, animal care or clinical support environment, or completion of a veterinary assistant training program.
• Demonstrated ability to safely and humanely handle and restrain animals of various species, sizes and temperaments.
• Strong observational skills and the ability to communicate patient changes clearly and promptly.
• Reliable, organized and responsive with a positive and collaborative attitude.
• Comfort working in a clinical environment with exposure to bi