Veterinary Assistant

Banfield Pet Hospital; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Disability Insurance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Banfield Pet Hospital is hiring a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and technicians in delivering quality preventive care. The role emphasizes client education, patient flow, and adherence to hospital standards across treatment areas.

Benefits are extensive, including medical, dental, vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan. The pay range for this position is $17.60–$22.49 per hour, with eligibility for paid time off and other perks.

Qualifications

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required
• Must be able to perform all required skills of NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant programs at a level that aids in the efficiency of the practice.

Responsibilities

• Supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets, clients, and other Associates, and the continuity of quality veterinary care.
• Helping maintain the flow of patients
• Communicating with the veterinarian and vet techs
• Carrying out or setting up procedures that do not require veterinarian or vet tech assistance
• Adhering to hospital standards that keep pets safe, and the treatment areas, exam rooms, and labs clean and organized
• Educating clients about our Optimum Wellness Plans® and the importance of preventive care
• Mentoring other members of the hospital team

Education

NAVTA‑certified Veterinary Assistant program

Job description

At MVH, we know that we couldn’t have grown into the company we are today without all of our hardworking, talented associates! We value all our associates and we want you to stick around! Career growth and professional development are important, so we want to provide you with opportunities to take on new and exciting roles within MVH!

Veterinary Assistant

Banfield aspires to be a practice where, as a team, we make a positive impact on pet health care in hospitals, communities, and the field of veterinary medicine. And we believe hiring people with diverse perspectives, ideas, and cultures permits us to deliver the highest quality of preventive care.

Responsibilities

• Supports and assists the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, ensuring the safety of pets, clients, and other Associates, and the continuity of quality veterinary care.
• Helping maintain the flow of patients
• Communicating with the veterinarian and vet techs
• Carrying out or setting up procedures that do not require veterinarian or vet tech assistance
• Adhering to hospital standards that keep pets safe, and the treatment areas, exam rooms, and labs clean and organized
• Educating clients about our Optimum Wellness Plans® and the importance of preventive care
• Mentoring other members of the hospital team

Requirements

• Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant program or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required
• Must be able to perform all required skills of NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant programs at a level that aids in the efficiency of the practice.

Commitment beyond qualifications

Being a Veterinary Assistant requires much more than AVMA certified credentials. It means bringing your talents, skills, dedication, and a desire for developing alongside your peers. But, most importantly, it means showing up each day with a passion for pets and working with others who believe preventive care is the key to helping pets achieve long and healthy lives. As we do with all our associates, we look to our Veterinary Assistant to adopt our Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom. And, while your on-paper qualifications are of course important, we actively seek out Veterinary Assistants who thrive on delivering outstanding client and pet experiences.

Your wellbeing matters

We know that your real passion for pet well-being is why you chose this profession. At Banfield, we believe it is just as important to support the well‑being of those who devote their lives to this cause. Through our extensive network and support structure, Banfield offers a wide array of benefits and programs, empowering you to focus on yourself and your family, as you care for pets and clients As a Banfield vet tech, we want you to take full advantage of work and play through:

• Competitive salary with paid time off
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits for you and eligible dependents
• Company matching 401(k) Savings Plan
• Paid parental leave
• 100% practice paid short and long-term disability — includes maternity leave
• Optimum Wellness Plans (OWPs) for up to three pets
• A variety of discounts including Mars, PetSmart, Royal Canin, fitness, cellular, and so much more

Potential as Big as Your Passion

Whether you are a newly certified or experienced vet tech, a job at Banfield opens the door to exploring the next best move in your career. We are committed to helping you grow as a vet tech by providing:

• Performance Development Plans (PDP) are designed to help you define and achieve your career goals
• Annual CE allowance
• Practice-paid continuing education opportunities along with the opportunity to attend partner conferences
• Free membership to NAVTA, practice-paid subscriptions to VetFolio, and VetGirl. Fear-free certification discount.
• Ability to grow into leadership roles at the field and practice level

Support that helps you thrive

We’ve created a structure that includes leadership and support at the hospital level, in the field, and at our headquarters, all with one goal in mind: helping you deliver quality care for all pets.

Commitment to community wellness

Through volunteering efforts, and our programs designed to benefit local shelters and rescues, we strengthen the pet-human connections in our communities. Discover how we support the well‑being of our people and profession through the Mars Volunteer Program (MVP).

Banfield Pet Hospital® strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced. Banfield Pet Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. Banfield Pet Hospital follows all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every Banfield location.

The pay range for this role is
$17.60 – $22.49 Hourly

The pay range listed reflects a general hiring range for the area, with the specific rate determined based on the candidate’s experience, skill level, and education, and may vary depending on location or applicable minimum wage laws.

Here at Banfield, we prioritize your well‑being and professional growth by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, including health, wellness, and financial support for you, your family, and even your pets. Check out some of our “Meow-velous” benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your health and wellness are our top priorities. We’ve got your essential medical, dental, and vision care covered.

• Generous Retirement Plans (401(k) and Roth): Invest in your future and enjoy a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.*

• Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our veterinary professionals and believe that addressing student debt is crucial for the long‑term health of the veterinary profession.

• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Take a break, recharge your wellbeing, and celebrate days of personal significance with paid time off and holidays.*

• Top‑Tier Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources: Your mental health matters. Access our industry‑leading resources, including free coaching and counseling sessions, to support your overall wellbeing and help you thrive.*

• Associate Life Insurance (company‑paid) & Supplemental Life Insurance: Protect your loved ones with our company‑paid Associate life insurance and have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.

• Company-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability: Feel secure knowing that if you face a temporary or long-term disability, you’ll have financial protection.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Save on healthcare and dependent care expenses by setting aside pre‑tax money. It’s a smart way to manage your budget and take care of your needs.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Make the most of your healthcare dollars with a tax‑advantaged HSA, allowing you to pay for medical expenses with pre‑tax funds.

• Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with paid parental leave for both birth and adoption, giving you precious time to bond with your new family addition.

• Continuing Education Allowance (for Eligible Positions): Banfield is committed to supporting the professional growth of our Associates. This allowance provides financial assistance to pursue continuing education opportunities.*

• Back‑Up Child and Elder Care & Family Support Resources: When life’s unpredictable moments arise, our backup care and family support benefits provide the help you need to keep things running smoothly.*

• Fertility and Family Building Support: We’re here for you on your journey to parenthood, offering comprehensive support for fertility treatments and family‑building options.

• Digital Exercise Therapy: Stay active and healthy with our digital exercise therapy program, designed to fit your busy lifestyle, and keep you moving.

• Voluntary Protection Benefits: Get peace of mind with protection against the unexpected. You can purchase coverage to help support you financially during hospital stays, critical illness, and accidents.*

• Legal Plan: Gain extra peace of mind with our affordable and accessible legal plan which includes coverage for a wide range of legal needs.*

• Identity Protection: Identity Protection helps safeguard your personal information by alerting you to suspicious activity and providing support if your information is stolen.*

• Commuter Benefits: Say goodbye to commuting stress with our commuter benefits, making your daily journey more convenient and cost‑effective.*

• Three Free Optimum Wellness Plans for Pets: We care about your furry friends too! Enjoy three free wellness plans to ensure your pets receive the best preventive and general care.*

• Exclusive Discounts: Unlock a world of savings with our wide variety of exclusive discounts on products and services, making life more affordable and enjoyable.*

Benefits eligibility is based on employment status. Full‑time (FT) Associates are eligible for all benefit programs (Student Debt Program available for FT DVMs only); Part‑time Associates are eligible for those benefits with an asterisk (*).