Vet Surgical Support Assistant – 24/7 ER

Cerro Alto Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid sick time

Paid vacation time

Scrub allowance

AtDove membership

Team oriented culture

Exposure to emergency and specialty VM

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is seeking an entry-level Surgical Hospital Assistant to care for hospitalized patients, assist with surgical rooms, and support a collaborative clinical team in a modern 24/7 facility in San Luis Obispo. No prior veterinary experience is required though interest in animal care is essential.

You will work in a fast-paced hospital with access to advanced diagnostics and imaging, receive comprehensive benefits, and participate in a growing

Qualifications

• This is an entry-level position; prior veterinary, kennel, shelter, or animal care experience is not required, but preferred.
• Genuine interest in animal care and working in a veterinary hospital environment.
• Ability to follow instructions, adhere to protocols, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and transport patients, and perform repetitive cleaning tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for hospitalized and boarded patients, including feeding, walking, cleaning, and monitoring comfort.
• Observe patients for changes in appetite, behavior, mobility, elimination, or overall comfort and report concerns to senior staff.
• Assist with safe handling, restraint, and transport of patients as directed by Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, and veterinarians.
• Maintain clean and sanitary patient housing and hospital areas in accordance with infection control and biosecurity protocols.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, runs, cages, treatment areas, exam rooms, common areas, and other hospital spaces.
• Complete routine hospital upkeep, including trash and biohazard waste removal, sweeping and mopping, laundry, dishes, and cleaning common surfaces.
• Restock cleaning, patient care, and hospital supplies as needed.
• Assist with processing blood and urine samples on in-house laboratory equipment.
• Support Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, and other members of the clinical team with daily patient care and hospital operations.
• Surgical Team Specific Duties: Clean and prepare operating rooms and surgical areas following hospital protocols.
• Assist with patient preparation for surgery, including clipping and surgical site preparation.
• Clean, sterilize, and prepare surgical instruments and equipment.
• Assemble and maintain surgical packs and restock surgical areas.
• Assist with surgical patient discharges and client communication.
• Collect patient histories and assist with other client-facing tasks as directed.

Skills

Animal care

Follow instructions

Team collaboration

Reliability

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Job description

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is seeking an entry-level Surgical Hospital Assistant to care for hospitalized patients, assist with surgical rooms, and support a collaborative clinical team in a modern 24/7 facility in San Luis Obispo. No prior veterinary experience is required though interest in animal care is essential.

You will work in a fast-paced hospital with access to advanced diagnostics and imaging, receive comprehensive benefits, and participate in a growing