Veterinary Assistant

Petco; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Veterinary Assistant, where you'll provide exceptional medical care to pets and outstanding service to pet owners. This role emphasizes teamwork, patient care, and a commitment to improving lives. If you're compassionate and eager to learn, this is the perfect opportunity to grow in a fulfilling career.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of veterinary or related animal care experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent medical care to patients at Vetco Total Care hospitals.
• Assist veterinarians with appointments, surgeries, and dentistry.
• Maintain a clean and organized hospital environment.

Skills

Communication

Compassion

Team-oriented

Job description

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Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents, and people!

If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self, and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values reflect our commitment to improving lives by doing what’s right for pets, people, and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We’re the future of the pet industry
• We’re here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We’re welcome as we are

Petco is a health and wellness company dedicated to enhancing the lives of pets, pet parents, and partners. With over 29,000 team members, we operate more than 1,500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, including Vetco Total Care hospitals, preventive clinics, and distribution centers. We believe in purpose-driven work that benefits pets, people, and the planet.

Position Purpose

This role involves providing excellent medical care to patients at Vetco Total Care hospitals and delivering phenomenal customer service to pet owners. The Veterinary Assistant embodies our mission and values, setting the tone for technical and customer support, fostering team cohesion, and motivating staff.

All staff are responsible for creating an environment where:

• The patient’s needs always come first
• Exceptional customer experience is prioritized
• Issues are addressed promptly and effectively
• Teamwork and shared goals benefit the organization

Essential Job Functions

The incumbent must be able to perform all the following duties with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Greet clients and patients, escort them into exam rooms, record vital signs, and document in electronic medical records (EMRs).
• Assist veterinarians with appointments, surgeries, dentistry, and euthanasia under supervision.
• Perform patient restraint, process lab samples, handle medications, and maintain medical records.
• Schedule appointments, educate clients, relay test results, and update records.
• Prepare patients for procedures, assist with anesthesia, monitor vital signs, and help with recovery and discharge.
• Administer in-hospital treatments, medications, and fluids under supervision, and care for patients’ needs.
• Assist in training new staff and share knowledge as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized hospital environment.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned
• Provide backup support at the front desk and via phone

Supervision & Planning

Work is supervised directly by veterinarians and veterinary technicians, with overall direction from the HOM/HLOD. The role is crucial for ensuring efficient hospital operations and high-quality care.

Impact

This position contributes to practice growth, high standards of care, team cohesion, and staff retention, ultimately ensuring patient well-being and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of veterinary or related animal care experience preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Compassionate, professional, and able to handle stressful situations
• Proficient in phone and computer use
• Team-oriented with a willingness to learn and adapt

Work Environment

Primarily in the hospital setting, involving bending, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for long periods. Frequent contact with clients and pets.

Contacts

Regular communication with clients, specialists, and product/service providers.

Additional Information

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable laws. Petco is an equal opportunity employer. Pay ranges are aligned with state-specific regulations and may vary based on experience and location.