Surgical Veterinary Assistant — Growth & 24/7 ER Mentorship

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid leave

Scrub allowance

AtDove membership

Team culture

Emergency & specialty exposure

Live in San Luis Obispo

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo is seeking a Surgical Veterinary Assistant to join our 24/7 emergency and specialty team. You will provide hands‑on care for complex surgical and ICU patients from admission through recovery, assisting surgeons, RVTs, and anesthesia teams.

The role emphasizes ongoing clinical skill development in a modern, state‑of‑the‑art facility with advanced diagnostics and a collaborative, supportive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a veterinary assistant (required).
• Experience in a specialty and/or emergency veterinary hospital (preferred).
• Strong clinical skills including but not limited to: IVC placement, patient monitoring, restraint, and phlebotomy.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain calm in a fast‑paced environment.
• A commitment to growth and professional development.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands‑on care for complex surgical and ICU patients
• Assist with patient preparation, surgical procedures, anesthesia, and recovery
• Coordinate and perform diagnostics, laboratory testing, and imaging
• Monitor post‑operative patients, including recovery, pain management, and potential complications
• Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, care plans, and discharge instructions
• Collaborate daily with the surgery, ER/ICU, and other specialty teams
• Mentor and support junior Veterinary Assistants, Hospital Assistants, and other team members
• Float to other departments as needed based on daily caseload and hospital needs

Skills

Vet assistant experience

Emergency veterinary hospital

Patient monitoring

IVC placement

Phlebotomy

Restraint

Job description

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo is seeking a Surgical Veterinary Assistant to join our 24/7 emergency and specialty team. You will provide hands‑on care for complex surgical and ICU patients from admission through recovery, assisting surgeons, RVTs, and anesthesia teams.

The role emphasizes ongoing clinical skill development in a modern, state‑of‑the‑art facility with advanced diagnostics and a collaborative, supportive workplace culture.