Entry-Level Veterinary Surgical Support Assistant

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid sick time

Paid vacation time

Scrub allowance $200/year

AtDove membership

Collaborative workplace culture

ER exposure and growth

San Luis Obispo living

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in California is seeking an entry‑level Surgical Hospital Assistant to support daily patient care in a 24/7 emergency and specialty setting. You will help with feeding, cleaning, and monitoring boarded patients, plus assist with surgical prep and hospital operations.

The role offers hands-on mentorship, opportunities for growth, competitive hourly pay, and a benefits package in a modern facility with state‑of‑the‑art diagnostics.

Qualifications

• This is an entry‑level position; previous veterinary, kennel, shelter, or animal care experience is not required, but preferred.
• Demonstrated genuine interest in animal care and working in a veterinary hospital environment.
• Interest in learning and growing skill sets.
• Ability to follow instructions, adhere to protocols, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to safely perform essential physical functions of the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for hospitalized and boarded patients: feeding, walking, cleaning, monitoring comfort.
• Observe changes in appetite, behavior, mobility, elimination, or comfort; report concerns to senior staff.
• Assist with safe handling, restraint, and transport of patients per directives.
• Maintain clean, sanitary patient housing and hospital areas per infection control protocols.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, runs, cages, treatment and exam areas, and common spaces.
• Restock supplies for patient care and hospital operations as needed.
• Assist with processing blood and urine samples on in‑house equipment.
• Support team members with daily patient care and hospital operations.

Skills

Entry-level

Animal care

Teamwork

Ability to learn

Follow instructions

Attention to detail

Job description

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in California is seeking an entry‑level Surgical Hospital Assistant to support daily patient care in a 24/7 emergency and specialty setting. You will help with feeding, cleaning, and monitoring boarded patients, plus assist with surgical prep and hospital operations.

The role offers hands-on mentorship, opportunities for growth, competitive hourly pay, and a benefits package in a modern facility with state‑of‑the‑art diagnostics.