ER Veterinary Technician Assistant — Fast-Paced Care + $2.5k Sign-On

AAVMP; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical dental vision insurance

Pet perks

401k with employer contribution

Free CE courses

Job summary

Long Beach Animal Emergency is seeking a Veterinary Technician Assistant to join our growing team. A $2,500 sign-on bonus is available, with compensation $28-$32/hr based on experience.

We operate a modern, fast-paced emergency center serving the SoCal area with a focus on compassionate, expert care for pets. Responsibilities include triage support, patient history collection, care coordination, diagnostics prep, and assisting veterinarians with exams, procedures, and anesthesia.

Qualifications

• 2 years of emergency experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of veterinary medicine and terminology.
• Ability to communicate calmly, clearly, and effectively with both staff and clients.
• Strong verbal and written skills.
• Strong attention to detail and follow through.
• Excellent customer service skills and a desire to provide outstanding service to clients.
• Ability to handle high stress situations.
• Ability to work overnights/ weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a critical liaison between emergency clinicians, specialty teams, clients, and patients in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
• Support ER doctors during triage by gathering patient histories, initiating medical records, and prioritizing care based on presenting complaints.
• Coordinate hospitalized patient care, including treatment schedules, diagnostics, and communication across shifts.
• Organize, track, and prepare patient diagnostics for emergency cases, including STAT lab work, imaging, and outside laboratory submissions.
• Assist veterinarians with emergency examinations, procedures, and life-saving interventions.
• Safely restrain fractious, painful, or critical patients using low-stress handling techniques appropriate for emergency settings practicing Fear Free techniques.
• Assist with emergency diagnostic imaging, including rapid patient positioning for radiographs while maintaining radiation safety protocols.
• Collect and prepare biological samples (blood, urine, feces) in urgent and critical situations as directed.
• Operate and maintain in-house laboratory equipment for STAT testing (CBC, chemistry, blood gas, lactate, PCV/TS, urinalysis, etc.)
• Monitor hospitalized ER and ICU patients for changes in condition; record and report vital signs, mentation, pain levels, and abnormalities immediately
• Assist with placement and maintenance of catheters, fluid therapy setup, and patient monitoring equipment under supervision
• Prepare, administer, and document treatments as directed by the veterinarian (oral, SQ, topical, oxygen therapy, bandage changes, wound care)
• Assist with anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for emergency and after-hours procedures as permitted by hospital policy and state regulations
• Maintain accurate and timely treatment sheets and ensure completion of critical treatments on schedule
• Communicate with clients during emotionally charged situations with empathy, clarity, and professionalism
• Maintain readiness of ER treatment areas, crash carts, oxygen supplies, and emergency equipment
• Adhere to emergency hospital protocols, infection control standards, and OSHA safety requirements
• Provide compassionate patient care while managing high stress, unpredictable caseloads, and frequent workflow changes

Skills

Emergency experience

Communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Stress management

Overnights/weekends

Job description

Long Beach Animal Emergency is seeking a Veterinary Technician Assistant to join our growing team. A $2,500 sign-on bonus is available, with compensation $28-$32/hr based on experience.

We operate a modern, fast-paced emergency center serving the SoCal area with a focus on compassionate, expert care for pets. Responsibilities include triage support, patient history collection, care coordination, diagnostics prep, and assisting veterinarians with exams, procedures, and anesthesia.