Description
VETERINARY ASSISTANT
The Veterinary Assistant is an essential member of the VSR team, providing critical support to veterinarians, Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), and client service representatives across all areas of the hospital. Veterinary Assistants help ensure the hospital runs cleanly, efficiently, and with compassion — contributing to an exceptional experience for every patient and client.
This position is a meaningful entry point into the veterinary field. As Veterinary Assistants grow in tenure, skillset, and understanding of hospital expectations, additional responsibilities and advancement opportunities are available. The Veterinary Assistant reports to the Technician Supervisor. They also receive day-to-day direction from the Lead Technician, veterinarians, RVTs, and other hospital leaders during their shift.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Hospital Cleanliness and Organization
1. Maintain cleanliness and organization of all public and employee areas of the hospital including treatment areas, exam rooms, walking areas, working areas, and yards to create a clean, odor-free, and welcoming environment.
2. Perform housekeeping and laundry duties for all areas of the hospital.
3. Stock hospital supplies; complete requisition forms as supplies are needed; notify the Inventory Manager of any low stock or supply needs.
4. Maintain proper identification for each animal in the hospital including name tags, cage cards, and medical record placement.
Patient Care (Following Completed Training and Approval)
1. Provide basic care for outpatient, boarding, and hospitalized animals including cage cleaning, exercising, feeding, bathing, and keeping animals and kennels clean.
2. Feed each animal as prescribed by the attending doctor; record appetite (+/-) and signs of illness in the medical record.
3. Observe animals for signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioral change and report observations to the attending technician or veterinarian promptly.
4. Restrain patients for procedures performed by RVTs or veterinarians, following safe handling protocols.
5. Assist with imaging, ultrasounds, and radiographs once trained and in possession of a current radiology badge.
6. Clean equipment, supplies, and instruments as directed following hospital sterilization protocols.
7. Assist the CSR team as needed, including carrying food for clients, retrieving supplies, and supporting client care and financial discussions after appropriate training.
Hospital Support and Workflow
1. Understand department workflows, hospital technology, and efficiencies; actively participate in training programs for cleaning, lab, equipment, and other duties.
2. Assist the CSR team when necessary; be able to fully assist with front desk duties and client financial plans and care after appropriate training.
3. Maintain a professional, cheerful, and helpful attitude when interacting with pet owners and all team members.
4. Assist with charge capture and inventory-related duties as directed.
5. Follow OSHA, VSR safety policies, and all hospital-wide safety standards.
6. Attend staff meetings and participate in hospital-wide training and CE events.
7. Be available for on-call shifts based on staff availability for after-hours scope cases.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.
Holiday and Weekend Coverage
Holiday and weekend coverage are expected of all team members; specific scheduling will be coordinated by your direct supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Prior veterinary or animal care experience is helpful but not required; we provide full training for candidates who are dependable, coachable, and able to follow established protocols and take direction well.
2. Willingness to learn cleaning and disinfecting methods and the use and care of cleaning materials and equipment.
3. Ability to appropriately handle and restrain animals.
4. Ability to learn basic animal care, husbandry, and basic veterinary terminology.
5. Ability to recognize abnormal conditions and communicate observations clearly to the attending team.
6. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
7. Ability to understand and properly assist with lab work, radiographs, or other diagnostics once trained.
8. Team-oriented with strong communication skills and a collaborative attitude.
9. Willingness to work a variety of hours including evenings, overnight, and weekend shifts as scheduled.
10. Willingness to cross-train with the CSR department.
11. Willingness to work at our Castle Rock, Colorado location.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES
Reliability and Accountability. Veterinary Assistants are counted on to show up, be on time, and complete their duties thoroughly. Patient care and hospital cleanliness depend on every team member following through on their responsibilities with consistency and pride.
Teamwork. The VSR team functions best when everyone supports each other. Veterinary Assistants must be willing to pitch in wherever they are needed, communicate clearly, and maintain a positive and approachable attitude throughout their shift.
Compassion. Working with animals and the people who love them requires empathy, patience, and genuine care. Veterinary Assistants interact with clients and patients in vulnerable moments and must always treat them with kindness and dignity.
Continuous Learning. There is always more to learn at a specialty and emergency hospital. Veterinary Assistants who approach their role with curiosity and a growth mindset will find ample opportunity to advance their skills and careers at VSR.
Integrity. VSR team members must act with integrity and uphold high standards of ethical conduct. Behave in an honest and ethical manner; follow rules and procedures; and encourage others to do the same.
REPORTING
The Veterinary Assistant reports directly to the Technician Supervisor. Day-to-day direction is also provided by the Lead Technician, veterinarians, RVTs, and other hospital leaders on shift. Questions and concerns about scheduling, pay, benefits, or hospital policy should be raised first with your direct supervisor, who will involve the Hospital Owner as needed. If a concern involves your direct supervisor, or relates to harassment, discrimination, workplace safety, or another sensitive matter, you may bring it directly to the Hospital Owner or any other member of hospital leadership at any time. VSR does not tolerate retaliation against any team member who raises a concern in good faith.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Veterinary Assistants will be required to stand for long periods and perform moderately heavy physical labor. The Veterinary Assistant must be able to handle and restrain animals and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted. The employee may occasionally need to handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 pounds; assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes; and possible exposure to contagious diseases. The Veterinary Assistant may be required to work a rotating schedule including evenings, overnights, and weekends. Follow all federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Ability to learn cleaning and disinfecting methods and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming hospital environment.
2. Ability to appropriately handle and restrain animals with compassion and proper technique.
3. Ability to learn basic animal care, husbandry, and veterinary terminology.
4. Ability to observe animals for signs of illness and communicate findings promptly to the clinical team.
5. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
6. Ability to communicate professionally, kindly, and effectively with clients and team members.
7. Regular attendance and timeliness are essential functions of this position.
8. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
