Veterinary Assistant

Village Square Portola Valley Vet Hospital; Portola Valley (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus package

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

401k with company match

Paid time off

Personal pet discount

Job summary

Village Square Portola Valley Veterinary Hospital in Portola Valley, CA seeks an experienced Veterinary Assistant to support exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures, while delivering exceptional client and patient care across all hospital activities.

This full-time role features a 5/8 schedule, Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm, with compensation of $25–$27 per hour. Our team values dependable, versatile assistants who can handle patient care, client service, surgery and documentation.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel assistant, or related role.
• Proficiency in safe animal handling and restraint for dogs and cats.
• Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and patient care principles.
• Ability to assist with exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures.
• Experience collecting patient histories and obtaining weights and vital signs.
• Ability to maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation.
• Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and restrain patients safely throughout the workday.
• Commitment to exceptional patient care and client service.

Responsibilities

• Assisting veterinarians during exams, treatments, and procedures
• Providing safe, gentle patient handling and restraint
• Preparing patients, equipment, and treatment areas for appointments and procedures
• Maintaining accurate medical records and treatment documentation
• Reviewing treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions with clients clearly and compassionately
• Building positive client relationships through education, communication, and attentive service
• Maintaining clean, organized, and fully prepared exam rooms, treatment areas, and procedural spaces

Skills

Veterinary assistant experience

Animal restraint

Veterinary terminology

Exams or treatments support

History taking

Medical records

Physical fitness

Patient care

Job description

Village Square Portola Valley Veterinary Hospital is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team and support exceptional experiences for our clients and patients across all aspects of hospital care.

This is an excellent opportunity for a versatile assistant who enjoys variety in their day and wants to continue utilizing and developing a well-rounded skillset across patient care, client service, surgery, and outpatient procedures. We are seeking dependable, motivated candidates who thrive in a fast-paced environment, multitask efficiently, anticipate team needs, communicate professionally, and take pride in delivering exceptional support throughout every stage of the patient visit.

In this position, you will take an active role in:

• Assisting veterinarians during exams, treatments, and procedures
• Providing safe, gentle patient handling and restraint
• Preparing patients, equipment, and treatment areas for appointments and procedures
• Maintaining accurate medical records and treatment documentation
• Reviewing treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions with clients clearly and compassionately
• Building positive client relationships through education, communication, and attentive service
• Maintaining clean, organized, and fully prepared exam rooms, treatment areas, and procedural spaces

Schedule and compensation:

• Compensation: $25 - $27 per hour, for each hour worked
• This is a full-time position, with a 5/8 schedule and availability needed Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm.

Full-time Benefits Package*:

• Bonus package: Up to $500 depending on experience
• Health package: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA option and choice of United Healthcare or Kaiser Permanente
• Life insurance and disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off in accordance with site policy and applicable law
• Personal pet discount

*Part-time team members may be eligible for limited benefits in accordance with company policy and state law

Minimum qualifications and skill set:

• 2+ years of experience in a veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel assistant, or related role preferred
• Proficiency in the following skills:
  • Safe animal handling and restraint skills for dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments
  • Knowledge of basic veterinary terminology and patient care principles
  • Ability to assist with exams, treatments, and outpatient procedures
  • Experience collecting patient histories and obtaining patient weights and vital signs preferred
  • Ability to maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation
  • Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and restrain patients safely throughout the workday
  • Commitment to exceptional patient care and client service

Why choose Village Square Portola Valley Veterinary Hospital?

Village Square Portola Valley Veterinary Hospital is a well‑established, multi‑doctor general practice providing high-quality medicine to dogs and cats in the Portola Valley community. Our team of 5 veterinarians works together in a supportive, collaborative environment where continued learning and professional development are encouraged. We offer comprehensive wellness, diagnostic, dental, surgical, and senior pet care, with a strong commitment to personalized medicine and exceptional client service. Our team takes pride in the lasting relationships we have built with our wonderful, long‑standing clientele and in creating a positive workplace where everyone is eager to lend a helping hand.

Pay Range

$25—$27 USD

Village Square Portola Valley VH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us. Hiring decisions will be based on merit, qualifications and the legitimate needs of the business.