Veterinary Assistant - Specialty & Critical Care

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

Benefits offered by this job

Uniforms + uniform allowance

Pet care discount

Trupanion Pet Insurance

Growth opportunities

Employee referrals

401(k) with match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance provided

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Veritas Veterinary Partners seeks a veterinary assistant to support clinical operations at our partner Specialty & Critical Care hospital in Wheat Ridge, CO. You will work under veterinarians and credentialed technicians to assist with patient care and a broad range of clinical tasks.

This onsite, full-time role offers exposure to specialty and emergency services, with shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as part of a 24-hour hospital operation.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in veterinary/animal care or completion of a veterinary assistant training program.
• Ability to safely handle and restrain animals of various species.
• Strong observational skills and the ability to communicate patient changes clearly and promptly.
• Reliable, organized and collaborative attitude.
• Comfort working in a clinical environment with exposure to biological materials.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians with patient handling during examinations, diagnostic procedures, treatments and sample collection.
• Monitor hospitalized patients for changes in condition, behavior, appetite and elimination, reporting observations promptly.
• 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 and restraints.
• Maintain accurate patient care records within the practice management system.

Skills

Animal handling

Observation skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Specialty & Critical Care

Wheat Ridge, CO

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

• $19.00 - $23.00/hour, based on experience
• 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 biological materials, animal waste and clinical noise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program.
• Experience in a specialty or emergency veterinary hospital.
• Enrollment in or completion of an AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program.
• Familiarity with anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture or other advanced clinical support tasks.

This position is onsite full-time at a partner hospital. The role requires frequent physical activity throughout clinical areas including standing, lifting and animal handling for extended periods.

The associate will regularly work with patients in varying degrees of illness or injury and interact with clients in emotional distress. Exposure to animal handling, medical equipment, clinical noise and the general intensity of a specialty and emergency hospital is expected. Hours include evenings, weekends and holidays consistent with 24-hour hospital operations.

• Uniforms provided and yearly uniform allowance
• Discount on veterinary care for your furry family
• Trupanion Pet Insurance
• Learning and growth opportunities
• Top-notch employee referral bonus program
• 401(k) retirement plan options with company match for full-time team members
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance options for full-time team members
• Basic life insurance provided at no cost and other benefit options available for full-time team members
• Paid time off and paid holidays for full-time team members

Our Core Values

At Veritas Veterinary Partners, we harness the hearts, minds and effort of our teammates, united in our CIRCLE of Core Values, to help us unlock our full potential.

• Compassion: We lead with heart in every interaction. For our patients, this means attentive care. For clients, it means guiding them with understanding. For each other, it means creating a culture founded on respect and trust.
• Integrity: We always do what’s right. Through accountability, honesty and transparency, we uphold the highest ethical and medical standards and honor the trust placed in us in every decision.
• Respect: The best outcomes come from working together with heart and valuing every perspective. By honoring each other’s expertise, we create an environment where collaboration thrives and ideas emerge at every level.
• Community: We harness the strengths of our people to build a culture where everyone is seen, heard and valued. This unity fosters trust across teams and assures clients their pets are cared for by one team.
• Leadership: We set the standard for exceptional care by combining sharp minds, medical expertise and compassion. Through best-in-class tools, collaboration and a growth mindset, we uphold our role as leaders in specialty and emergency veterinary care.
• Evolution: We stay curious, adaptable and seek ways to elevate patient care. By committing to a growth mindset and supporting each other, we unlock the fullest potential of individuals, teams and our organization.

Base Pay

$19 - $28 USD

Veritas Veterinary Partners is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the requirements of all applicable federal, state and local laws, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status.Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. All current positions require the ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently. Additional fluency in other languages is preferred but not required.