Veterinary Assistant

Mission Pet Health; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted veterinary care for your 
p

Teladoc access

401k retirement options

Job summary

Otay Pet Vets, located in Chula Vista, CA, seeks a Veterinary Assistant to join a deeply committed team delivering exceptional small animal care. The role emphasizes high-quality client service, collaborative workflows, and internal education opportunities within a network that supports growth.

The position offers a fast-paced environment with opportunities for skill development in lab, pharmacy, nursing, and radiology, backed by comprehensive benefits and a strong culture of growth.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence handling pets of all sizes.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Fundamental veterinary skills in lab, pharmacy, nursing and radiology are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide Essential Patient Care: assist the medical team with hands-on care and compassionate handling.
• Be the Go-To Support for the Medical Team: anticipate needs to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Create a Positive Client Experience: assist with scheduling, payments, and communications.
• Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment: maintain hospital and equipment.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Pet handling

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Vet basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

At Otay Pet Vets, you join a deeply committed team dedicated to providing exceptional small animal care. We hold the prestigious AAHA accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in veterinary medicine and client service. This recognition means you are stepping into a practice where quality and integrity are the foundation of everything we do. If you are looking for an opportunity where you can immediately contribute meaningful, high-level care, this is where you can do your best work. Your professional development is our priority. As part of a supportive network, we ensure all teammates have the resources they need to succeed and achieve their long-term career goals. This includes robust internal education programs designed to foster clinical skills and opportunities to move into leadership roles. We believe in providing structured pathways, such as support for technician credentialing, so you can focus on building a sustainable and rewarding career path with us. Delivering superior medicine requires access to superior support. Our facility is designed for dedicated small animal practice, ensuring smooth workflow and effective patient care management. Furthermore, our clinical network provides immediate access to specialty resources and internal consultations. This allows you to manage complex cases with confidence, continually expanding your clinical acumen and ensuring our patients always receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Otay Pet Vets is perfectly situated in Chula Vista, California, offering you the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. You can expect a vibrant community environment paired with stunning natural surroundings and temperate year-round weather. Being just a short distance from the cultural hub of San Diego, you benefit from easy access to beautiful beaches, world-class dining, and extensive recreational activities. Chula Vista provides the ideal balance of community warmth and metropolitan convenience for your life outside of the hospital.

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant

• Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands-on care and ensuring every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
• Be the Go-To Support for the Medical Team: You'll be the backbone of the clinic, anticipating the needs of veterinarians and technicians to ensure a smooth, efficient, and collaborative workflow.
• Create a Positive Client Experience: You'll help create a seamless visit for our clients by assisting with scheduling, payments, and communications, always with a courteous and informative approach.
• Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the hospital, performing clinic upkeep and equipment maintenance to uphold our high standards of care.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A calm and efficient approach, with the ability to handle a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment with composure.
• Confidence and skill in handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundamental veterinary skills ranging from laboratory and pharmacy to nursing and radiology is a strong asset.

Position Requirements & Schedule

• Hospital is open 7 days a week, so open availability is required
• Weekends and evenings are required
• Hospital sees exotic patients and urgent care appointments
• All VAs are fully trained in surgery and dental procedures, providing great opportunities for continued growth and skill development
• Previous surgery and dental experience is welcomed, but not required
• 4x10 work schedule offered

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.

Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

Health & Wellbeing

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Financial Security

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA-accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Valuable Perks

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.

Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact [e-mail] with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement

Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.