Shelter Veterinary Medical Assistant — Hands-On Care & Surgery Prep

Paycom - ATS; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Rancho Coastal Humane Society is seeking a hands-on Veterinary Medical Assistant to support daily medical operations, animal handling, treatment preparation, and documentation in a busy shelter setting. The role requires reliable team collaboration and the ability to switch between clinical tasks and routine animal care as priorities change.

Strong candidates have experience in veterinary or shelter environments; RVT credentials are preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Experience in veterinary hospital, animal shelter, kennel, or hands-on animal-care environment.
• Ability to follow protocols, maintain records, and communicate clearly in a team setting.
• Commitment to humane treatment, safety, and the mission of the shelter.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary and medical team with examinations, treatments, and surgery preparation.
• Provide daily animal care including handling, feeding, cleaning, and enrichment.
• Prepare, clean, restock, and organize treatment, surgery, recovery, kennel areas.
• Monitor animals and report changes in condition or recovery to the clinical team.
• Complete opening/closing tasks and ensure proper care before leaving.
• Maintain accurate records and follow medication, safety, and infection-control procedures.
• Coordinate with Medical, Animal Care, Adoption, and other shelter teams.

Skills

Animal handling

Clinical support

Documentation

Communication

Surgery preparation

Safety awareness

Education

RVT license

Job description

Rancho Coastal Humane Society is seeking a hands-on Veterinary Medical Assistant to support daily medical operations, animal handling, treatment preparation, and documentation in a busy shelter setting. The role requires reliable team collaboration and the ability to switch between clinical tasks and routine animal care as priorities change.

Strong candidates have experience in veterinary or shelter environments; RVT credentials are preferred but not required.