Colorado Nonprofit Association

Animal Health Coordinator

Our Culture

We believe in harnessing the power of diversity to create a culture of belonging where all individuals are celebrated and valued for their unique ideas, perspectives, and strengths as a means to achieving personal excellence and organizational success.

Our Values

Lead the Pack: Commit to excellence in all we do

Be the Person Your Dog Thinks You Are: Demonstrate integrity to build trust

Work Together, Wag Together: Achieve shared goals while having fun

Keep our Dogs in a Row: Steward all resources efficiently and effectively

Unleash the Power of Diversity: Foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture

The Purpose of Your Role

Ensure the health and well-being of FSD puppies and dogs both in volunteer puppy raiser homes and during training at the facility. Coordinate with staff, puppy raisers, and fosters to deliver routine healthcare and manage additional care and treatments as needed. Be on-call for emergencies on a rotating basis and provide support to both the Health Coordinator and Nursery Health Coordinator. Report directly to the Health Manager.

The Skills You Bring

• Passion for working with people
• Love of dogs
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving skills, resourcefulness
• Desire to learn and teach
• Team player
• Highly motivated
• Effective communication skills
• Reliable and responsible
• Organization and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Knowledge of customer relationship management software (CRM)

The Work You Will Do

Dog Health

• Assist with onsite veterinary exams and wellness checks, including support with restraint, blood collection, examination notes, and treatments as needed.
• Conduct routine diagnostics, process lab submissions, and schedule additional diagnostics as required.
• Support onsite veterinary partners by aiding in restraint, blood draws, treatment administration, documentation of veterinary notes, and development and communication of treatment plans.
• Prepare and dispense medications, manage medication logs, oversee medication inventory, and handle ordering.
• Administer medications and supplements as directed by veterinary partners.
• Assist with the inventory and ordering of medications and veterinary supplies.
• Keep exam rooms clean, organized, and well-stocked.
• Monitor and report on the health and well-being of dogs in care, and relay relevant information to the Health Manager or veterinary partners promptly.
• Collaborate with the Kennel Manager and kennel technicians to implement health plans and provide care for dogs on site.
• Work directly with puppy raisers and fosters to address health concerns and recommend treatments as necessary.
• Be available on a rotating 24-hour on-call basis to support urgent or emergency care for puppies and fosters.
• Develop health care plans for puppies and dogs in training.
• Prepare health records and supplies for puppy raiser placements.
• Present health information to puppy raisers during placement classes when needed.
• Monitor dog weights, manage diets, and adjust feeding amounts as required.
• Track and administer heartworm and flea/tick prevention year-round.
• Develop and communicate basic protocols for common health issues.

Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate onsite veterinary exams, appointments, and routine health evaluations with veterinary partners and FSD stakeholders.
• Address and monitor health concerns and requests from staff, puppy raisers, and fosters; communicate treatment plans to staff and volunteers as needed.
• Collaborate with the Nursery Health Coordinator to ensure neonate and young puppy health information is integrated.
• Work with the Breeding and Genetics Department to schedule and coordinate breeding evaluations for breeding candidates.
• Arrange transport or coordinate logistics for dogs to and from offsite veterinary exams and procedures.
• Communicate with veterinarians and the Health Manager to develop and execute treatment plans, including follow-up care, and relay plans to staff and volunteers.
• Prepare and manage documentation for placements with puppy raisers and clients.
• Coordinate health care for puppies in the Puppy Development Department and ensure effective care in the Prison Trained K9 Companion Program in Denver and Sterling, CO.

Record Keeping and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date health records for all puppies and dogs in the organization’s care.
• Prepare necessary documentation, including rabies certificates.
• Record health observations, medical treatments, plans, medication administration, routine vaccines, preventatives, diagnostics, and procedures in the organization’s database.
• Keep vaccination and preventative schedules current for each puppy and dog.
• Document monthly weights.
• Ensure relevant health information is communicated to Operations staff as needed.
• Manage puppy raiser reimbursements for health and veterinary care.
• Monitor and track program budgets and expenses.
• Handle payment and documentation for veterinary visits and procedures, including invoicing and receipt coding.

Other Duties

• Update the Health Manager on the health status of all puppies and dogs.
• Collaborate with the Health Manager to assess health eligibility for dogs in the program.
• Work with the Health Team to develop protocols, address health issues, and coordinate care.
• Assist with dog care, kennel maintenance, and cleaning as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This job operates in both a professional office environment and in dog kennels and surrounding areas. The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate. The noise level in a dog kennel’s environment can be loud. The location is a non-smoking environment.

While performing the duties of this job, which primarily includes training and taking care of dogs up to 60 lbs, the employee is regularly required to be very physically active. The employee is frequently required to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and perform a variety of physical motions with his or her hands, arms, shoulders, and legs to care for and train dogs. The employee is often on her or his feet and is often required to walk; escort visitors or volunteers in or around the kennel areas; and climb or balance. The employee is to communicate regularly with others. Employees must be able to manipulate and use all equipment and tools necessary to care for dogs, including leashes, medicines, locking mechanisms, and dog toys. The employee must have the ability to rapidly use printers, computer equipment, copy machines, and other general office machines.

Occasional driving in an organization vehicle is expected. FSD vehicles include large passenger and transit vans. Valid driver’s license and car insurance is required.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, non-exempt position consisting of approximately 40 hours of work per week. This position will require working some weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed on an on-call basis. This position will require being open to working additional shifts as needed.

Travel

Local and regional travel, such as travel to vet hospitals and puppy raiser homes is expected. Occasional out of state or in-state travel may be required due to organization needs.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate degree or equivalent experience
• At least one year of experience in animal health or clinical settings
• Proficiency in basic animal husbandry and healthcare
• Experience with administering vaccinations and venipuncture
• Capability to manage healthcare for over 100 puppies with volunteer raisers both in-state and out-of-state
• Knowledge of canine behavior and learning theory
• Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance

Preferred Education, Experience and Competencies

• Experience in disability awareness and sensitivity
• Experience teaching adult learners and public speaking
• Background in nonprofit work or volunteerism

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Freedom Service Dogs is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants, clients, graduates or employees on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by state or local law.