Veterinary Assistant

Thrive Pet Healthcare; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Mental health resources (Lyra Health)

Paid parental leave

Pet perks

Free CE courses

Student loan support

Job summary

Pacific Animal Hospital in Oceanside, CA is hiring a Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians and the care team. You will help with patient handling, exam room prep, basic lab work, and maintaining a clean, efficient hospital environment.

The role emphasizes compassionate patient care, excellent client service, and teamwork in a fast-paced setting. Prior veterinary experience is preferred, with a focus on safety and professionalism.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in animal care in a veterinary setting preferred.
• Veterinary Technician Certification is a plus, but not required.
• Strong communication and client interaction skills.
• Dependable, team‑oriented, eager to learn and take coaching.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to compassionate patient care and safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians and veterinary staff to deliver safe, compassionate patient care.
• Assist with patient handling, restraint, basic care, and procedures to keep pets calm.
• Monitor patient condition and report changes to the medical team.
• Prepare, clean, disinfect, stock, and maintain exam rooms and equipment.
• Assist with basic laboratory tasks and routine patient-care duties as trained.
• Communicate with clients professionally in person and by phone about care.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Organization

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Veterinary Technician Certification (optional)

Job description

Description

Veterinary Assistant

Pacific Animal Hospital

Oceanside, CA

Full-time: 30- 40 hours per week, 8 or 10 hour shifts available, Saturdays required

About the Hospital:

Pacific Animal Hospital is an AAHA Accredited four-doctor hospital located near the beach with a solid team and a great work environment. We focus on providing quality patient care, working well together, and creating a workplace where people enjoy what they do. We value teamwork, a good sense of humor, and supporting each other throughout the day. Great medicine, good people, and a laid-back coastal location make us a great place to work.

About You

You’re a compassionate, dependable team player who enjoys supporting pets, clients, and the veterinary team. You’re comfortable assisting with patient care, preparing exam rooms, supporting lab tasks, cleaning and stocking, and communicating with clients. You take pride in delivering exceptional customer service and helping create a safe, efficient, and positive experience for every patient and client.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to support safe, compassionate patient care.
• Assist with patient handling, restraint, basic care, and procedures while helping pets feel as calm and comfortable as possible.
• Monitor patients closely and communicate any changes in condition, comfort level, or behavior to the medical team.
• Prepare, clean, disinfect, stock, and maintain exam rooms, treatment areas, equipment, and shared hospital spaces.
• Support basic laboratory tasks, sample preparation, and routine patient-care duties once trained and in accordance with hospital protocols.
• Communicate professionally with clients in person and by phone regarding routine patient-care information.
• Help maintain medical supply inventory by stocking needed items and notifying leadership when supplies are low.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and efficient hospital environment by using downtime productively and assisting teammates.
• Support additional patient care and hospital responsibilities as needed to help the team deliver an exceptional client and patient experience.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous animal care experience in a veterinary hospital, shelter, boarding, or similar setting is preferred.
• Veterinary Technician Certification is a plus, but not required.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with clients and teammates.
• Dependable, positive, and team-oriented with a willingness to learn, ask questions, and accept coaching.
• Ability to stay organized, attentive to detail, and focused in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.
• Commitment to compassionate patient care, client confidentiality, and professional standards.
• Ability to remain aware of safety concerns and follow hospital policies and procedures.

You’ll Grow With Us

Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:

• Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU
• Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills

Benefits – our care in action

Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members’ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match
• Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health
• Paid parental leave
• Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
• Subsidized backup childcare and elder care
• Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
• FREE CE courses
• Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
• Student loan support tools and assistance

Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

About Thrive

Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well-being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care.

Thrive invests in its people—through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well-being initiatives—so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, digital booking, Thrive Plus TM membership, HereFurYou Helpline, an online pharmacy and flexible financial options* make accessing quality care simpler— giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve.

Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.

Compensation is negotiable based on credentials and experience with an hourly pay rate starting at $19 - $24 /hour. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.