Experienced Veterinary Assistant

Santa Monica Veterinary Group; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus package up to $500 depending on

Health, dental & vision insurance

Life insurance & disability

Employee Assistance Program

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Santa Monica Veterinary Group is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team and provide dedicated support alongside our clinical team, with a strong focus on surgery, anesthesia, and dental procedures. This role emphasizes procedural medicine and hands-on care in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with procedures, supports exams and outpatient care, and is committed to delivering exceptional patient care from admission to discharge.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a veterinary assistant.
• Proficiency in assisting with surgical and dental procedures.
• Experience monitoring anesthesia and recovery.
• Safe animal handling for dogs and cats of varying sizes.
• Ability to assist with exams, treatments and outpatient procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Compassionate, professional communication with clients and team.

Responsibilities

• Assisting veterinarians with surgical and dental procedures
• Monitoring patients throughout anesthesia and recovery
• Preparing patients, equipment, and treatment areas for procedures
• Maintaining accurate surgical and treatment records
• Guiding clients through patient admission and discharge with confidence and compassion
• Providing support for exams and outpatient procedures outside of surgical schedules
• Supporting efficient workflow by anticipating the needs of patients and the veterinary team

Skills

Surgical assistance

Anesthesia monitoring

Dental procedures

Animal handling

Exams & treatments

Multi-tasking

Client communication

Job description

Santa Monica Veterinary Group is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team and provide dedicated support alongside our clinical team, with a strong focus on surgery, anesthesia, and dental procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled assistant who enjoys procedural medicine and wants to continue utilizing and expanding their technical abilities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. We are seeking motivated, detail-oriented candidates who thrive under pressure, anticipate team needs, and take pride in delivering exceptional patient care throughout the patient experience.

In this position, you will take an active role in:

• Assisting veterinarians with surgical and dental procedures
• Monitoring patients throughout anesthesia and recovery
• Preparing patients, equipment, and treatment areas for procedures
• Maintaining accurate surgical and treatment records
• Guiding clients through patient admission and discharge with confidence and compassion
• Providing support for exams and outpatient procedures outside of surgical schedules
• Supporting efficient workflow by anticipating the needs of patients and the veterinary team

Schedule and compensation:

• Compensation: $ 27 - $32 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is a full-time position, with a 4/10 schedule and availability needed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Full-time Benefits Package*:

• Bonus package: Up to $500 depending on experience
• Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law

*Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law

Minimum qualifications and skill set:

• 3+ years of experience in a veterinary assistant required
• Proficiency in the following skills:
  • Assisting veterinarians with surgical and dental procedures
  • Monitoring patients throughout anesthesia and recovery
  • Safe animal handling and restraint skills for dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Ability to assist with exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Compassionate, professional communication with clients and team members
  • Dependable attendance and strong work ethic
  • Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and restrain patients safely throughout the workday
  • Commitment to exceptional patient care and client service

Why choose South Shores Pet Clinic?

Santa Monica Veterinary Group, located in Santa Monica, CA, is a 4-doctor small-animal hospital with 1 credentialed technician caring for dogs and cats. The freshly remodeled 2,300-square-foot hospital features 4 indoor exam rooms, an outdoor exam room, 2 surgical suites, 32 cages, 7 runs, a fenced outdoor area, and space for future expansion. The hospital offers general practice, urgent care, emergency services, dentistry, surgery, advanced diagnostics, and urgent-care cases, supported by an IDEXX lab. The culture is collaborative, inclusive, family-oriented, and flexible, with a 'no one left behind' mindset and strong support for learning. Located on a corner lot in beachside Santa Monica, the practice offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle with excellent dining, recreation, and access to Los Angeles.

This is a good-faith estimate based on the role's requirements at the time of posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, vacation, sick leave, 401(k), and other benefits depending on role and location. A complete description of benefits available for this position will be provided during the hiring process. Where required under applicable law, Company provides eligible employees with paid sick leave, health emergency leave, and other legally mandated benefits programs, all in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local law depending on the location of the practice you support.

$27 - $32 USD

Santa Monica VG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and the legitimate needs of the business.