Veterinary Assistant

Medical Management International, Inc.; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 24,245 - 30,982; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance

Generous retirement plans

Paid time off and holidays

Continuing education allowance

Legal plan coverage

Job summary

VCA Inc. in Oxnard, California, is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to provide quality care for pets and educate clients on health needs. The role involves assisting veterinarians, ensuring safety in the hospital, and mentoring paraprofessionals.

Candidates should have a NAVTA approved certificate and strong communication skills. The position offers a supportive environment with comprehensive benefits and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform technical duties within state practice acts.
• Minimum of one year of related experience required.
• 18+ years to perform specific duties like radiography.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians and technicians in animal care.
• Educate clients on pet health and wellness.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness in the treatment areas.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Organizational ability

Client service skills

Problem-solving skills

Intellectual ability

Mathematical ability

Computer skills

Education

Certificate from a NAVTA approved Veterinary Assistant program

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and veterinary technicians in ensuring quality veterinary care for all pets, advocates for pets, educates clients on all aspects of pet health, and ensures a safe and effective hospital environment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Live and exemplify the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within self and team.
• Act as the extra eyes, ears, and hands for the veterinarian and veterinary technician, maintaining flow of patients.
• Provide professional, efficient and exceptional service at all times, performing or preparing procedures that do not require veterinarian assistance and completing preparatory work for other procedures.
• Educate clients about Optimum Wellness Plans, preventive care, pet health needs, hospital services and other issues.
• Obtain relevant information and history from clients and maintain proper and complete medical charts.
• Ensure the safety of pets, clients and associates by utilizing safe restraining techniques, following standard protocols, and keeping treatment areas, exam rooms and labs clean, sterile and organized.
• Assist with surgery as applicable.
• Utilize technical skills fully, within state practice acts and as outlined in the NAVTA guidelines for veterinary assistant skills and duties.
• Mentor other paraprofessionals in the hospital.
• Other job duties as assigned.

THE FIVE PRINCIPLES

• Quality – The consumer is our boss; quality is our work and value for money is our goal.
• Responsibility – As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as associates, we support the responsibility of others.
• Mutuality – A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure.
• Efficiency – We use resources to the fullest, waste nothing and do only what we can do best.
• Freedom – We need freedom to shape our future; we need profit to remain free.

HIRING QUALIFICATIONS COMPETENCIES

• Leadership: Action Oriented, Customer Focus, Listening, Peer Relationships, Personal Learning.
• Functional: Ensure medical quality, Effective communication, Drive for results.
• Functional Skills: Priority Setting.

CAPABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE (CAN DO)

• Ability to multi‑task: manage multiple tasks, shift attention accurately under distraction.
• Communication skills: read, write and speak fluent English with correct grammar.
• Organizational ability: systematic approach to assignments, orderly, cuts through confusion.
• Problem‑solving skills: identify, analyze, and solve problems, translate to practical solutions.
• Client service skills: deliver attentive, courteous and informative service.
• Intellectual ability: follow instructions accurately.
• Mathematical ability: basic arithmetic, rates, ratios, percentages; convert units.
• Computer skills: use computer confidently, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and specialized medical software.

ATTITUDES (WILL DO)

• Initiative – find solutions, present options, enhance current processes.
• Integrity – adhere to Banfield values and ethics.
• Cooperativeness – work with others, share information.
• Flexibility – open to change, perform all tasks assigned.
• Independence – perform tasks without supervision when appropriate.
• Tolerance for Stress / Resiliency – remain positive, rebound, maintain composure during stress.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work at a computer for long periods.
• Confidence around pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.).
• Client needs may require >40 hours/week, including weekends and evenings.
• Reasonable mental processes for reading, writing, math and language.
• Noise level moderately high.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Good hand‑eye coordination, arm‑hand‑finger dexterity, visual acuity (close, distance, color, peripheral vision). Ability to adjust focus.
• Exposure to pet bites, scratches, occasional anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards, medication/controlled substances.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING

• Certificate from a NAVTA approved Veterinary Assistant program or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Perform all required skills of NAVTA approved programs to aid practice efficiency.
• Minimum age 18 to perform radiography duties and handle radioactive substances.
• One year related experience required; customer service preferred.

EEO STATEMENT

WE ARE A DRUG‑FREE, SMOKE‑FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Company policy, federal and state laws forbid discrimination because of age, color, race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation or national origin.

PAY RANGE

$17.60 – $22.49 hourly. The pay range reflects a general hiring range for the area; the specific rate is determined by candidate experience, skill level, and education.

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement plans (401(k) and Roth) with company match.
• Student debt relief program for full‑time veterinarians.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Mental health resources, coaching and counseling.
• Associate life insurance (company‑paid) with optional supplemental coverage.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA).
• Paid parental leave for birth and adoption.
• Continuing education allowance for eligible positions.
• Back‑up child and elder care & family support.
• Fertility and family‑building support.
• Digital exercise therapy program.
• Voluntary protection benefits.
• Legal plan coverage.
• Identity protection services.
• Commuter benefits.
• Three free optimum wellness plans for pets.
• Exclusive discounts on products and services.

ABOUT US

Banfield is a community of caring people with diverse thought, background, and approach. Our purpose is a better world for pets. We create an inclusive environment where associates can be themselves, value their differences, and uphold the health and well‑being of our team.