Surgical Veterinary Assistant (VA)

Cerro Alto Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Sick Time

Paid Vacation Time

Scrub allowance

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned specialty and emergency practice in San Luis Obispo, CA, offering 24/7 care with a focus on mentorship and professional growth. We are seeking a Surgical Veterinary Assistant to support our surgeons, RVTs, and specialty teams throughout the pre- and post-operative journey.

You will contribute to anesthesia support, patient care, diagnostics, and collaboration across departments in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience as a veterinary assistant.
• Experience in a specialty and/or emergency veterinary hospital preferred.
• Strong clinical skills including 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

IVC placement

Patient monitoring

Restraint

Phlebotomy

Multitasking

Growth mindset

Punctual attendance

Job description

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned specialty and emergency practice committed to both healing and education. Our team of board-certified specialists, experienced emergency doctors, registered veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service professionals work collaboratively to provide exceptional medical care while fostering a supportive, respectful, and positive workplace.

As a new, state-of-the-art facility, we are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including a 128-slice CT scanner, fluoroscopy, digital radiology, ultrasound, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Our hospital includes full-time boarded surgery, radiology, and oncology services, part-time cardiology and internal medicine services, and a 24/7 emergency department supported by experienced emergency veterinarians.

At Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, we are deeply committed to mentorship, continuing education, and professional growth. We recognize the demands of veterinary medicine and strive to balance clinical excellence with sustainability, teamwork, and long-term career fulfillment.

Position Overview: Surgical Veterinary Assistant

As a member of our surgical inpatient team, you will provide hands-on care for complex surgical patients from admission through recovery and discharge. You will work closely with our surgeons, RVTs, and other specialty teams to prepare patients for surgery, support procedures and anesthesia, and provide care throughout the pre- and post-operative period. This position is ideal for an experienced Veterinary Assistant with a strong interest in surgery who wants to deepen their clinical skills and take an active role in patient care.

Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

• 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

These duties represent the essential functions of the position but are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Qualifications & Skills

• 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

Scheduling & Availability Requirements

• This position is based in a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital.
• For full-time: reliable availability to work three to four 10-hour shifts or four to five 8-hour shifts
• For part-time: reliable availability to work at least two 10-hour shifts or two 8-hour shifts

Requests for schedule modifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be considered where reasonable and consistent with business operations and applicable law.

What We Offer

• Compensation of $21.50-$28.50 per hour based on experience and skill level
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid sick time and vacation time for eligible employees
• A yearly scrub allowance of $200 for eligible employees
• An AtDove membership to support clinical growth and development
• A collaborative, respectful workplace culture
• Exposure to emergency and specialty veterinary medicine in a modern facility
• The opportunity to live and work in San Luis Obispo, with access to outdoor recreation, wineries, and a vibrant community

Shift Differentials

We recognize the value of overnight and weekend coverage and offer additional compensation for eligible hours worked:

• Overnight Differential : +$3.00/hour for hours worked between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Weekend Differential : +$3.00/hour for hours worked between Friday at 8:00 PM and Monday at 6:00 AM

These differentials are separate and cumulative . Team members working eligible overnight hours during the weekend differential period may earn both differentials, providing the opportunity to earn up to an additional $6.00/hour above their base rate.

Join Our Team!

If you are an experienced veterinary professional looking to grow your career in emergency and specialty medicine, we would love to hear from you! Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families.

For more information about Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, visit our website at www.cerroaltovet.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital team!

The pay range for this role is:

21.50 - 28.50 USD per hour (Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital)