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Relief Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Relief Veterinary Assistant information

What is a relief veterinary assistant?

A Relief Veterinary Assistant is a trained professional who temporarily fills in at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or shelters when regular staff are unavailable due to vacations, illness, or staffing shortages. They perform a variety of tasks, such as assisting veterinarians during exams and procedures, caring for animals, maintaining clean facilities, and communicating with pet owners. Relief Veterinary Assistants provide flexibility for clinics and help ensure consistent care for animal patients. Their role is essential for maintaining smooth clinic operations in the absence of regular staff.

How does the role of a relief veterinary assistant differ from that of a full-time veterinary assistant, especially regarding work schedules and team dynamics?

As a Relief Veterinary Assistant, you typically fill in on an as-needed basis to cover staff shortages, vacations, or busy periods, which means your schedule may be less predictable compared to permanent staff. This role often requires quickly adapting to new clinic environments, workflows, and team members, so strong communication and flexibility are crucial. You'll collaborate closely with veterinarians and technicians to support animal care and maintain clinic operations, often stepping into routines with minimal orientation. The variety and pace can be rewarding, but being proactive and adaptable will help you succeed in different settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a relief veterinary assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relief Veterinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling, and basic veterinary procedures, often supported by on-the-job training or a veterinary assistant certificate. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and proper sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and compassion are vital soft skills for effectively supporting both veterinarians and pet owners in dynamic environments. These skills ensure the efficient delivery of quality animal care and smooth integration into various veterinary teams on short notice.

What is the difference between Relief Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectRelief Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Assistant
CertificationsOften requires veterinary assistant certification or related trainingTypically requires veterinary assistant certification or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentTemporary, varied clinics or hospitals, flexible schedulingFull-time or part-time at a specific clinic or hospital
Employer UsageUsed by clinics needing temporary staffing or coverageEmployed directly by a veterinary practice
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly searched for temporary or substitute rolesStandard, ongoing veterinary support roles

In summary, Relief Veterinary Assistants provide temporary support across various clinics, often requiring similar certifications as Veterinary Assistants. They offer flexible, short-term coverage, whereas Veterinary Assistants typically work full-time at a single practice. Both roles require relevant certifications and support veterinary teams in daily tasks.

Where do relief veterinary assistants make the most money?

Relief veterinary assistants tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for veterinary services, such as urban areas or states with a strong veterinary industry. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of veterinary practice, with specialized clinics often offering higher pay. However, overall compensation is generally comparable across regions, with geographic differences influenced by local economic factors.

What are popular job titles related to Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs in Colorado?

For Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Relief Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Veterinary Assistant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Veterinary Assistant - Relief Emergency

PETS Emergency Hospital

Greeley, CO

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description

Veterinary Assistant – Relief Emergency

PET’s Emergency Hospital 

Greeley, CO  

Pay Range: $ $19-23/hour, based on experience, skills, and credentials

Provide High‑Quality Emergency Care with Flexible Scheduling

PET’s Emergency Hospital is seeking an experienced Relief Emergency Veterinary Assistant to support our 24‑hour emergency and critical care team. This role is ideal for veterinary assistants who enjoy emergency medicine and want schedule flexibility while still practicing high‑level, hands‑on patient care.

You’ll work in a brand‑new, AAHA‑accredited emergency hospital with state‑of‑the‑art equipment, a supportive team culture, and the stability and benefits of Thrive Pet Healthcare.

Why PET’s Emergency Hospital

  • AAHA‑accredited 24‑hour emergency hospital
  • Brand‑new facility with modern diagnostics and equipment
  • Supportive, emotionally intelligent team culture
  • Strong focus on work‑life balance (especially for relief staff)

What You’ll Do

As a Relief Veterinary Assistant, you’ll support emergency and critical care cases by:

  • Assisting veterinarians during emergency exams, treatments, and procedures
  • Providing advanced nursing care and emergency first aid to injured or critical patients
  • Supporting anesthesia, surgical assisting, and post‑operative care as needed
  • Monitoring anesthetic and hospitalized patients (ASA I–III; ASA IV–V preferred)
  • Obtaining and interpreting BP, ECG, SpO₂, and EtCO₂ readings
  • Collecting laboratory samples and performing in‑house diagnostics
  • Operating digital radiography and advanced diagnostic equipment
  • Administering medications and treatments as prescribed
  • Accurately documenting patient histories and medical records
  • Maintaining clean, sterile, and organized treatment and exam areas
  • Collaborating with doctors, technicians, and support teams during high‑acuity cases

What We’re Looking For

Required Experience & Credentials

  • 2+ years of emergency veterinary assistant experience
  • Experience with anesthesia monitoring and surgical assisting
  • Strong clinical observation and problem‑solving skills

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

  • Comfort supporting higher‑risk anesthesia cases (ASA IV–V)
  • Familiarity with ventilators
  • Experience in critical care or ICU settings

You’ll Grow with Us  

Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:  

  • Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU  
  • Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills   
  • A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital  

And, with so many locations nationwide, you can find and move into any specialty, hospital type, or environment. Join us and provide your best care at a clinic that is deeply rooted within its community and bolstered by the resources of Thrive Pet Healthcare.  

Benefits – Our Care in Action

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing, including:

  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Mental health support through Lyra Health
  • Paid parental leave
  • Purr-ental leave for new pet adoptions
  • Backup childcare and elder care support
  • FREE CE courses
  • Pet care discounts and perks
  • Student loan support tools 

Some benefits are available to full-time team members (30+ hours/week) and may be subject to eligibility requirements.

About Thrive 

Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care. Thrive invests in its people—through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well-being initiatives—so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, Thrive Plus membership, HereFurYou Helpline, online booking, and flexible financial options make accessing quality care simpler— giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com. 

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.