ICU Veterinary Assistant — Critical Care Support

PetVet Care Centers; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

Emotional wellbeing support (Calm app,

CE stipends and career development

Grant Circle - relief fund

Local hospital culture backed by nat'l

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers’ Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, CA, is seeking a Critical Care Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians. The role includes cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding and exercising patients, preparing surgery suites, restraining animals, and handling clerical duties.

Join a team dedicated to exceptional patient care and continual learning.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous veterinary experience.
• Strong client communication skills.
• Comfortable discussing veterinary recommendations and financial considerations with clients, including sensitive topics such as end‑of‑life care.
• Ability to obtain and record TPRs (temperature, pulse, and respiration).

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Greet patients and owners, record weight and vital signs.
• Triage patients, assist with physical exams and medications.
• Calm and soothe anxious patients.
• Assist doctors and technicians with medications and restraints.
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs.
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment and record keeping.
• Feed and groom patients as prescribed; monitor appetite and report issues.
• Communicate with clients and educate on insurance, wellness, and plans.
• Maintain cleanliness of hospital and handle safety procedures.

Skills

Client communication

Veterinary experience

Discuss financial considerations

Record TPRs

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Sedation experience

Radiographs (X-ray)

Job description

PetVet Care Centers’ Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, CA, is seeking a Critical Care Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians. The role includes cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding and exercising patients, preparing surgery suites, restraining animals, and handling clerical duties.

Join a team dedicated to exceptional patient care and continual learning.