ER/ICU Veterinary Assistant — Critical Care Growth

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay $21.50-$28.50

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid sick time and vacation time

Yearly scrub allowance $200

AtDove membership

Collaborative work culture

Live and work in San Luis Obispo

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo seeks an ER/ICU Veterinary Assistant to join our fast-paced team. You will work alongside emergency doctors and support staff to care for critically ill patients, coordinate diagnostics, monitor anesthesia, and communicate with clients.

This role offers growth opportunities, competitive hourly pay, benefits, and shift differentials within a modern facility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience as a veterinary assistant.
• Experience in a specialty and/or emergency veterinary hospital is preferred.
• Strong clinical skills including IVC placement, patient monitoring, restraint, and phlebotomy.
• Strong communication skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to growth and professional development.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Triage and intake patients, present to the emergency doctor.
• Coordinate diagnostics, laboratory testing, and imaging.
• Monitor patients following anesthesia or sedation and report changes.
• Provide hands-on care for emergency and critical patients, including CPR.
• Assist with treatments, patient handling, restraint, and transport throughout the hospital.
• Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, care plans, and discharge instructions.
• Collaborate daily with specialty teams to provide consistent patient care.
• Mentor and support junior Veterinary Assistants and Hospital Assistants.

Skills

IVC placement

Patient monitoring

Restraint

Phlebotomy

Communication skills

Multitasking

Growth mindset

Reliability

Job description

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo seeks an ER/ICU Veterinary Assistant to join our fast-paced team. You will work alongside emergency doctors and support staff to care for critically ill patients, coordinate diagnostics, monitor anesthesia, and communicate with clients.

This role offers growth opportunities, competitive hourly pay, benefits, and shift differentials within a modern facility.