Lorraina Teitler - Cliffdale Animal Hospital - Veterinary Assistant

Lorraina Teitler is more than just a veterinary assistant at Cliffdale Animal Hospital—she’s a compassionate caregiver, a mentor, and a steadfast advocate for animals. With an innate love for pets and an unwavering dedication to their well-being, she plays a vital role in ensuring both animals and their owners receive the highest level of care. Her path to veterinary medicine is one of determination, resilience, and a deep-seated passion for making a difference.

Life as a Veterinary Assistant: More Than Just a Job

Every morning, Lorraina steps into Cliffdale Animal Hospital ready to take on the day’s challenges. Her responsibilities go beyond basic care—she ensures that animals are comfortable, assists veterinarians in procedures, maintains surgical equipment, and upholds the hospital’s hygiene standards.

One of her most rewarding roles is training new team members, guiding them through the intricacies of animal care, and sharing the knowledge she has gained along the way. Her ability to mentor others showcases her leadership and deep commitment to improving the field.

But it’s not just about medical procedures. Lorraina’s work is deeply personal—she’s there to comfort anxious pets, reassure worried pet owners, and provide a safe, welcoming environment for every animal that walks through the doors.

A Lifelong Connection with Animals

Lorraina’s love for animals was evident from an early age. Growing up in a pet-loving family—her uncle had eight pets, and her grandmother had ten—she always felt a deep bond with animals. However, her journey into veterinary care wasn’t a straight path.

Initially working in the food and beverage industry, she longed for something more fulfilling. During a particularly tough period, she took a leap of faith and applied for any job that would give her a chance. A veterinary clinic took her in despite her lack of experience, and from the moment she stepped into that world, she knew she had found her calling.

Her natural affinity for animals and eagerness to learn allowed her to adapt quickly, proving herself to be an essential team member. That first opportunity changed everything, setting her on the path to becoming the skilled and compassionate veterinary assistant she is today.

Pursuing Growth: Education & Expertise

Determined to deepen her knowledge, Lorraina is working toward her veterinary technician certification. Thanks to the unwavering support of her mentors, Henry, and Dr. Chavis, she is now just a year away from achieving her goal.

Her education has refined her skills in patient care, surgical preparation, and medical procedures. She has developed a particular expertise in drawing blood—so much so that when others struggle to find a vein, they turn to her. Additionally, she is crucial in organizing surgical procedures, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

With her growing knowledge and experience, Lorraina is excelling in her role and helping shape the future of veterinary care at Cliffdale.

The Highs and Lows of Veterinary Medicine

Working with animals is both deeply rewarding and emotionally challenging. One of the most meaningful aspects of Lorraina’s job is being there for pet owners during difficult moments, particularly during euthanasia. While some shy away from this responsibility, she finds purpose in offering comfort and support during a pet’s final moments.

However, not every case is straightforward. Handling frightened or aggressive animals is one of the most challenging parts of the job. Many pets, confused and scared, react defensively. Lorraina has been scratched and bitten, but she never takes it personally. She understands that their reactions stem from fear rather than aggression and approaches every case with patience and compassion.

Advocating for Fear-Free Veterinary Care

Lorraina’s first experience in veterinary medicine was at a fear-free practice, and it left a lasting impression on her. Fear-free techniques prioritize minimizing stress and anxiety for animals during their visits, using gentle handling, positive reinforcement, and, when necessary, mild sedation to create a more comfortable experience.

She is passionate about bringing these techniques to Cliffdale, working toward fear-free certification to help make veterinary visits less stressful for pets. She believes that reducing fear benefits the animals and strengthens the bond between veterinarians, pet owners, and their beloved companions.

Personal Inspirations and a Home Full of Love

Lorraina has been fortunate to have mentors who saw potential in her and allowed her to grow. One of the most significant influences in her life was a veterinary technician she worked closely with. Though her friend has since passed, Lorraina continues to honor her memory by dedicating herself fully to the profession they both loved.

Her connection to animals extends beyond the clinic. At home, she and her husband share their lives with six pets, each with a unique personality.

• Luna, a tailless tuxedo cat, was her first cat in her own apartment.
• Willow, her loyal dog, her first pet that has been with her since she started living independently.
• Ajax, her husband’s German Shepherd, a loyal, protective but loving companion, also keeps them on their toes.
• Morpheus, a mischievous buff tabby that keeps them entertained
• Wheezy, a brown tabby who once faced a life-threatening emergency
• Alastor, the youngest, is a black cat with a dog-like personality—he sits at the dinner table, tries to steal food, and craves constant attention.

For Lorraina, coming home to her animals is a daily reminder of why she does what she does.

Memorable Moments in Veterinary Care

Among the many patients Lorraina has worked with, one that stands out is Bailey, a small Maltese she sees monthly. His happy expression and perpetually sticking-out tongue make him a joy to care for.

On the more emotional side, she once worked with a highly aggressive pit bull puppy. After spending an entire weekend with her, she began to earn her trust. Sadly, she was later diagnosed with a brain tumor, which had contributed to her aggression. While heartbreaking, the experience reaffirmed Lorraina’s belief in patience and compassion—even in the toughest cases.

Veterinary Trends and Challenges

As the field of veterinary medicine evolves, Lorraina is excited about the growing adoption of fear-free techniques. She believes these approaches will improve the overall experience for pets and their owners.

However, she is also concerned about certain legislative changes in the industry. In Colorado, a new professional role was introduced to bridge the gap between veterinarians and vet techs. While the intent was good, the execution has been problematic—allowing individuals without veterinary licenses to perform surgeries. Lorraina believes highly trained vet techs should have been given these responsibilities instead of creating an entirely new, potentially risky position.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Vet Techs

For those considering a career in veterinary medicine, Lorraina offers honest advice: it’s a tough job. The work is physically demanding, emotionally taxing, and not always well-paid. But for those who truly love animals, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

She also stresses the importance of self-care. Burnout is common in the industry, and learning to take breaks, seek support, and allow time for recovery is crucial for long-term success.

Looking to the Future

With her veterinary technician certification on the horizon, Lorraina is excited to continue growing in her career. She is grateful for the mentors who believed in her and the opportunities that have shaped her journey. Now, she’s eager to pay it forward—helping the next generation of veterinary professionals and ensuring that every pet she cares for receives the best possible treatment.

At Cliffdale Animal Hospital, Lorraina has found a workplace and a community—a family of professionals who share her passion for animal care. And as she looks ahead, one thing is sure: she will continue making a lasting impact on the lives of animals and those who love them.