Veterinary Assistant

Abqpetcarehospital; Los Altos (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 46,838; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

401(k)

Discounted veterinary services

Employee Assistance Program

Continuing education

Job summary

Adobe Animal Hospitals in Los Altos, CA is seeking a Veterinary Technician to join our open hospital team. The role involves outpatient care, scheduled appointments, soft tissue surgeries, and dental procedures, with support from RVTs, assistants, and doctors.

You will perform exams, injections, radiographs, in-house labs, and client communication. Weekend and holiday availability is expected; physical requirements include lifting 40 lbs and standing for long periods.

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Technician or field-trained assistant with 1–2+ years of experience.
• Excellent client service and professional attitude.
• Strong dedication to quality care.
• Excellent written and oral communication with attention to detail.
• Ability to make independent decisions and solve problems.
• Teamwork under stress and effective communication.
• Willingness to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Weekend and holiday availability.
• Open to working at Los Altos Animal Hospital when needed.

Responsibilities

• Direct workflow and provide accurate advice to owners in person or by phone.
• Perform veterinary techniques with minimal supervision.
• Assess patient status and document plans.
• Interact with clients, take histories, obtain vitals.
• Administer IM, IV, SQ injections and draw blood.
• Place IV catheters and monitor vital signs.
• Perform radiographs and in-house lab tests.
• Maintain department cleanliness and train new staff.
• Provide staff leadership and promote teamwork.

Skills

Client service

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Lift 40 lbs

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years veterinary experience

RVT license preferred but not required

Job description

Veterinary Technician

Position Type: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Varies based on hospital

Hourly Rate: Varies based on hospital and experience

We provide an open hospital environment with a supportive team of RVT’s, Veterinary Assistants, and doctors. The role involves outpatient care, scheduled appointments, soft tissue surgeries, and dental procedures.

Responsibilities

• Able to help direct the workflow and provide accurate and efficient advice to owners in person or over the phone.
• Perform veterinary technical skills efficiently and accurately with little supervision.
• Assess patient care status, review patient plan, perform treatments according to the veterinarian’s orders, and document as necessary.
• Interact with clients and patients, take accurate history, obtain patient vitals, explain treatments, procedures, medications, and disease processes.
• Give IM, IV, and SQ injections; obtain blood samples from multiple sites.
• Place IV catheter.
• Understand vital parameters (HR, RR, MM/CRT), accurately obtain them, and report abnormalities to the doctor.
• Understand common disease processes and use appropriate medical terminology.
• Familiarity with common medications and applications; accurately calculate dosages and administer medications.
• Monitor, assess, and treat critical care patients; update doctor and client on patient status; place IV catheters.
• Perform radiographs, evaluate positioning and exposure, and adhere to safety standards.
• Monitor sedated or anesthetized patients.
• Use diagnostic equipment and perform in-house lab tests including blood smears, PCV/TP, BG, skin/ear cytology including ELISA snap tests.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the department (rooms, treatment area, cages, runs).
• Assist in training of new technicians as needed.
• Provide staff leadership for tasks in a professional and personable way.
• Promote a positive attitude and demonstrate a commitment to the mission/vision.
• Share knowledge and skills; demonstrate a thirst for formal and informal learning.
• Show strong work ethic, flexibility, and high integrity.
• Initiate action to resolve or improve situations independently.
• Make suggestions to improve practice protocols.

Essential Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Technician or field-trained assistant with 1‑2 years or more of experience. RVT license preferred but not required with extensive prior experience.
• Offer genuine client service and maintain a professional, courteous, and helpful attitude.
• Strong dedication to quality care.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with incredible attention to detail.
• Ability to make independent, thoughtful decisions and solve complex problems.
• Maintain excellent teamwork and communication skills under stressful situations to help patients and clients.
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to proactively join wherever help is needed and drive innovative ideas.
• High school diploma or equivalent and 18 years of age or older.
• Must be able to lift or move 40 lbs independently.
• Physical ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, and use hands and arms regularly, including extended periods of sitting and standing.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Open to working at Los Altos Animal Hospital when needed.
• Background check required upon hire.

Benefits

• Health benefits, dental, vision & more.
• Paid sick, vacation & holiday time.
• 401(k) benefits.
• Discounted veterinary services.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Continuing education for professional development.

Equal Opportunity Employment

It is the policy of Adobe Animal Hospitals to afford equal opportunities for all qualified persons, regardless of their actual or perceived: race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and expression), age (40 and over), sexual orientation, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, and any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law.