Veterinary Assistant

Lead Veterinary Assistant Welcome to Happy Tails Veterinary Center in Aurora, CO. Since 2012, we have built a reputation based on comprehensive, quality care, earning us an outstanding 4.5-star Google rating reflective of the community's trust. We are deeply proud to operate as an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited facility. This recognition, which only 15% of hospitals in the US and Canada achieve, means we commit to meeting or exceeding AAHA's rigorous benchmarks across surgery, patient care, diagnostics, and anesthesiology. If you are looking for an opportunity where practicing high-standard medicine is the baseline expectation, this is where you will do your best work. When you join our dedicated team, you are entering a supportive and collaborative environment alongside four dedicated doctors and our knowledgeable teammates. Our culture is focused on helping every teammate succeed, whether that means advancing your clinical skills or moving toward a leadership role. Happy Tails is part of a broader network that provides robust support for continuous education and growth, including access to internal resources like specialty consultations. We prioritize strong workflow support, ensuring that you can focus your energy entirely on delivering superior patient care without unnecessary distractions. At Happy Tails, you will be practicing small animal medicine that addresses the full scope of patient needs. We offer comprehensive services ranging from routine wellness and prevention to advanced surgical procedures and urgent care. Our commitment to the highest standards is reinforced daily by our AAHA status, ensuring our diagnostic imaging, exam facilities, and anesthetic protocols are world-class. We proudly offer same-day appointments, keeping our pace dynamic and challenging, and giving you ample opportunity to utilize your full range of clinical skills in Advanced Care, Testing & Diagnostics, and beyond. Aurora, Colorado offers an ideal blend of metropolitan convenience and accessibility to the natural beauty the region is famous for. As a major suburb of Denver, you benefit from a rich community environment while still having easy access to world-class dining, arts, and professional sports. If you enjoy the outdoors, Aurora places you within easy reach of mountain recreation, hiking, and skiing, providing a tremendous quality of life outside the hospital. Join us in a location that truly supports both your professional ambitions and your personal life. As a Lead Veterinary Assistant, you are a pivotal leader on the medical support team, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and hospital operations. You will serve as the primary point of contact for medical support staff, guiding workflows, modeling our values, and fostering a collaborative and supportive culture. You are the bridge between hospital leadership and the team, helping to implement protocols and mentor the next generation of veterinary professionals. Your impact will include: Leading the Shift: You will act as a shift leader, coordinating workflow, assigning tasks, and ensuring optimal staff coverage to keep the hospital running smoothly. Mentoring the Team: You'll mentor and support veterinary technicians and assistants, providing guidance, onboarding support, and opportunities for development. Driving Improvements: You will identify gaps or inefficiencies in workflows and partner with the hospital manager to recommend and implement solutions. Supporting Patient Care: You'll support veterinarians in providing patient care, maintaining accurate medical records, and upholding infection control standards. Enhancing Client Experience: You will provide exceptional client support, from scheduling and check-ins to explaining discharge instructions and estimates. Maintaining Standards: You will ensure the hospital remains clean, organized, and safe, upholding all protocols and equipment maintenance standards. What you'll bring to the team: High school diploma or equivalent. Strong ability to lead by example, motivate others, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations. Proficiency in veterinary assistant functions, including patient handling, cleaning protocols, and client communication. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Comfort working with a wide range of animals, including those that may be fractious or fearful. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and stand/walk for extended periods. 7+ years of Veterinary Assistant experience is preferred. 3+ years of leadership experience is preferred. As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love. Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked. Competitive Compensation: A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role. Health & Wellbeing: We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates. Financial Security: Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage. Commitment to Growth: We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs. The Power of a Network: Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices. Valuable Perks: Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc. About Mission Pet Health: Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com. Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care. Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact View email address on click.appcast.io with your request and contact information. EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.