General Practice Veterinary Assistant (GPVA) - Companion Animal Hospital

Helen Woodward Animal Center; Rancho Santa Fe (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Knowledgeable veterinary team

Hands-on experience with a wide range

Opportunities for training and growth

Job summary

Helen Woodward Animal Center's Companion Animal Hospital is seeking a General Practice Veterinary Assistant (GPVA) for a part-time role with weekend and holiday shifts. The position includes assisting with surgeries, care for patients, vaccinations, medications, and daily hospital duties.

Join a state-of-the-art facility committed to compassionate care for pets and their families. You will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced general practice and grow through ongoing training.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with animals, or kennel/vet environments preferred.
• Comfortable lifting up to 55 lbs.
• Strong communication and a team-first mindset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for appointments, obtaining medical histories and documentation
• Assist with medical and surgical procedures
• Provide daily care including feeding, grooming, and hygiene
• Prepare and sterilize surgical equipment
• Administer medications and vaccinations
• Maintain accurate medical records and client communication
• Schedule appointments and procedures

Skills

Animal care

Customer service

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication

Lift up to 55 lbs

Job description

General Practice Veterinary Assistant (GPVA) - Companion Animal Hospital

(Part Time) | Various Shifts, Including Weekends & Holidays as Needed

Hourly Pay: $20.75 - $26.00 (Based on Experience)

Are you passionate about animals and eager to grow your skills in a fast-paced, supportive general practice veterinary environment? Join our team at the state-of-the-art Companion Animal Hospital inside Helen Woodward Animal Center, where every day is an opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of pets and the people who love them.

As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll be right in the action-assisting with surgeries, helping pets recover, feeding and grooming our furry patients, and making sure they get the care (and love) they need. You'll gain hands-on experience with routine medical tasks like giving vaccines, administering medications, and prepping surgical packs.

What You'll Do:

• Prepare patients for appointments, obtaining medical histories and documentation
• Assist with medical and surgical procedures
• Provide daily care including feeding, grooming, and hygiene
• Prepare and sterilize surgical equipment
• Administer medications and vaccinations
• Maintain accurate medical records and client communication
• Support a compassionate, safe, and clean hospital environment
• Schedule appointments and procedures

What We're Looking For:

• Prior experience with animals, customer service, or kennel/vet environments preferred
• Comfortable lifting up to 55 lbs and handling animals with challenging behavior
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Clear, professional communication and a team-first mindset
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and varied shifts as needed

Perks of the Role:

• Work alongside a knowledgeable and supportive veterinary team
• Hands-on experience with a wide range of animals
• Opportunities for training and growth within the hospital

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a smoke-free workplace. Smoking is not permitted in any building or vehicle on campus.