Veterinary Assistant

South Sacramento Pet Hospital; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Parental leave

401(k) plan

Team member discounts

Calm app access

24/7 EAP

CE stipends

Career development resources

Grant Circle

National resources backing

Local hospital culture

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers' South Sacramento Pet Hospital is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our team in Sacramento, California. You will support veterinarians and technicians by cleaning and maintaining equipment, restraining and handling patients, and performing clerical duties to ensure smooth daily operations.

The role emphasizes compassionate care, teamwork, and excellent client communication.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

Responsibilities

• Explain care plans and processes to clients as directed by the veterinarian.
• Care for patients by taking vital signs, administering medications, vaccines, and bandaging wounds.
• Prepare and sanitize surgery suites; restrain patients; assist veterinarians and technicians.
• Maintain clean and organized treatment areas and assist with clerical tasks.
• Communicate with pet owners about patient status as directed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain inventory and ensure equipment is sterile and ready for use.

Skills

Animal handling

Vital signs

Medical records

Medication administration

Communication with owners

Education

Age 18+

Tools

Sterilization equipment

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' South Sacramento Pet Hospital Veterinary Assistant

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 400 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

South Sacramento Pet Hospital in Sacramento, California, serves a diverse community with accessible, compassionate veterinary care. The team emphasizes teamwork, growth, and delivering excellent patient outcomes.

Why Join Us:

• We’re a passionate team that loves caring for our patients and supporting the people who love them.
• Our client service team helps create a warm, positive experience every step of the way.
• We strive to keep our workplace fun and uplifting, where everyone feels valued—and where every client leaves feeling confident their furry family member received exceptional care.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine animal requirements by conducting examinations and interviews, reviewing care plans and records, completing laboratory tests and studies, and diagnostic imaging.
• Care for patients by taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines, and bandaging and wrapping wounds.
• Support patient examinations and operations by assembling required supplies and instruments, securing and bringing patients to examination rooms, and restraining patients; aids as directed by the veterinarian.
• Provide excellent pet care by applying full knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, specialized equipment usage, and specialized drug administration.
• Obtain and verify medications.
• Ensure that patients have food and water, clean patients' rooms, cages, and equipment; observe patients for clinical signs of disease.
• As directed, fill prescriptions and administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and humane environment by sterilizing and wrapping instruments, sanitizing and disinfecting holding and operating areas, storing sterile supplies, verifying shelf life, following standards and procedures, and in compliance with applicable legal regulations.
• Maintain medical records by documenting patients’ conditions, reactions, and changes; update the database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Communicate with the pet owner about the status of the patient, as directed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining equipment supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
• Maintain inventory, place orders for needed supplies, verify, and maintain receipts.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional journals.
• Release pets to their owners as directed; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed before their release.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager or practice.

Qualifications

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

Schedule

• Full-time, Day shift, 9:30AM - 6:30PM

What We Offer

We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$18 — $32 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to aCulture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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