Overnight Emergency Veterinary Technician - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

Pacificsantacruzvet; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 39,950; 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 well-being support

CE stipends and career development resources

Job summary

Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is seeking an Overnight Emergency Veterinary Technician to join their dedicated team in Santa Cruz, CA. The role involves providing exceptional veterinary care, conducting examinations, and maintaining patient records. Ideal candidates will have 2+ years of emergency experience and strong skills in triage, IVC care, and sedation.

The position offers competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, vision insurance, and support for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience working in an Emergency (ER).
• Experience in triage, IVC care, and placement.
• Basic calculations, sedations, and GA experience.

Responsibilities

• Determine animal requirements by conducting examinations and interviews.
• Care for patients by taking vital signs and administering medications.
• Support patient examinations and operations.
• Maintain medical records by documenting patients’ conditions.

Skills

Experience in Emergency (ER)

Triage skills

IVC care and placement

Basic calculations

Sedation experience

General anesthesia experience

Job description

Overnight Emergency Veterinary Technician - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking an Overnight Emergency Veterinary Technician to join our team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Veterinary Technician who supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine animal requirements by conducting examinations and interviews, reviewing care plans and records, completing laboratory tests and studies, and diagnostic imaging.
• Care for patients by taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines, and bandaging and wrapping wounds.
• Support patient examinations and operations by assembling required supplies and instruments, securing and bringing patients to examination rooms, restraining patients, and aiding as directed by the veterinarian.
• Apply full knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, specialized equipment usage, and specialized drug administration.
• Obtain and verify medications.
• Ensure that patients have food and water, clean patients’ rooms, cages, and equipment; observe patients for clinical signs of disease.
• Fill prescriptions and administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and humane environment by sterilizing and wrapping instruments, sanitizing and disinfecting holding and operating areas, storing sterile supplies, verifying shelf life, following standards and procedures, and in compliance with applicable legal regulations.
• Maintain medical records by documenting patients’ conditions, reactions, and changes; update the database accurately and timely.
• Communicate with pet owners about the status of the patient as directed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
• Maintain inventory, place orders for needed supplies, verify receipts.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional journals.
• Release pets to owners as directed; ensure that each animal released is clean and properly groomed.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager or practice.

Qualifications (Required)

• 2 or more years of experience working in an Emergency (ER)
• Experience in triage, IVC care, and placement
• Basic calculations, sedations, and GA experience

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Previous graveyard experience is a plus.

Schedule

• Must be able to work holidays.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team member pet discounts
• Emotional well‑being support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range: $25 — $29 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we are committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1,700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high‑quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

PetVet is an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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