Senior Veterinary Assistant - Surgery Prep & Client Care

ASPCA; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) at the ASPCA works with clients, veterinarians, and technicians to prepare animals for surgery, enter medical records, and monitor patients. This on-site role supports ASPCA’s Community Medicine across LA-area clinics, with shifts typically 7:00 AM–3:30 PM and occasional movement between locations.

Key duties include assisting during procedures, maintaining records, and delivering high-quality animal care in a compassionate setting, while upholding safety

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in customer service preferred.
• Ability to lift and carry 40+ pounds repeatedly throughout the day with assistance.
• Excellent animal handling skills (cats, dogs) and comfort around shelter environments.

Responsibilities

• Care for cats and dogs daily presenting for spay/neuter surgery or procedures.
• Provide a safe, low-stress environment for animals, staff, and clients.
• Monitor vital signs of sedated and anesthetized patients pre-, intra-, and post-operatively.
• Take direction from the clinic veterinarian or veterinary technician.
• Maintain pre-operative area and operating room setup for anesthesia and surgical prep.

Skills

Computer skills

Animal handling

Customer service

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Fear Free Shelter certification

Job description

The Senior Veterinary Assistant (SVA) at the ASPCA works with clients, veterinarians, and technicians to prepare animals for surgery, enter medical records, and monitor patients. This on-site role supports ASPCA’s Community Medicine across LA-area clinics, with shifts typically 7:00 AM–3:30 PM and occasional movement between locations.

Key duties include assisting during procedures, maintaining records, and delivering high-quality animal care in a compassionate setting, while upholding safety