Veterinary Assistant

Southpaw-Vet; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Southpaw Vet in San Diego is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join a team focused on quality medical and surgical care and client education. You will support the veterinary team with hands-on patient care, assist with diagnostics, and help create a positive experience for clients.

The role emphasizes a calm demeanor in a fast-paced setting, strong communication and organizational skills, and a commitment to animal welfare.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Calm, efficient approach in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to handle pets of various sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Fundamental veterinary skills in labs, pharmacy, nursing, and radiology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential patient care and assist the medical team with hands-on tasks.
• Support the medical team by anticipating needs to ensure smooth workflow.
• Assist with scheduling, payments, and client communications.
• Maintain a safe and clean hospital environment.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Pet handling

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Veterinary basics

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

You are invited to join the passionate team at Southpaw Vet, recognized as a Top Rated San Diego Veterinarian. We are dedicated to leading the community in both veterinary medicine and customer service, providing the highest quality medical and surgical care to every patient. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our outstanding 4.8-star Google rating, showcasing the trust the community places in our friendly and knowledgeable teammates. This is your opportunity to do your best work alongside professionals who share a deep commitment to animal welfare and client education.We believe that in order to provide the highest quality care, we must first invest in our teammates. We strive to be the best employer we can be, creating a supportive environment where you can grow and succeed professionally. You will work alongside committed professionals who value empowering and educating clients about pet health. We offer dedicated support and mentorship programs designed to help all teammates achieve their professional goals and advance their careers, whether you aspire to pursue specialization or move into a leadership role within the practice.Southpaw Vet is focused entirely on comprehensive small animal care, allowing us to specialize in providing complex diagnostics, treatments, and intensive care. We are committed to remaining at the forefront of veterinary medicine, delivering advanced medical and surgical services designed to improve patient outcomes. Our focus is on providing meticulous care, ensuring that every patient receives tailored treatment plans and thorough attention from our highly trained and committed medical team.Joining Southpaw Vet means relocating to San Diego, California, one of the nation’s most desired coastal cities. San Diego offers an exceptional quality of life, defined by its idyllic climate, stunning beaches, and rich cultural amenities. When you step away from the clinic, you will enjoy easy access to diverse neighborhoods, vast outdoor recreation opportunities, and a thriving community atmosphere. This highly sought-after location allows you to build a rewarding career while enjoying the unparalleled lifestyle California has to offer.

Job Description

Your Impact as a Veterinary Assistant

• Provide Essential Patient Care: You'll be a key player in the health of our patients, assisting the medical team with hands‑on care and ensuring every animal is treated with compassion and respect.
• Be the Go‑To Support for the Medical Team: You'll be the backbone of the clinic, anticipating the needs of veterinarians and technicians to ensure a smooth, efficient, and collaborative workflow.
• Create a Positive Client Experience: You'll help create a seamless visit for our clients by assisting with scheduling, payments, and communications, always with a courteous and informative approach.
• Ensure a Safe and Clean Environment: You'll take pride in maintaining the hospital, performing clinic upkeep and equipment maintenance to uphold our high standards of care.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A calm and efficient approach, with the ability to handle a fast‑paced and sometimes stressful environment with composure.
• Confidence and skill in handling pets of all sizes and temperaments.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in fundamental veterinary skills ranging from laboratory and pharmacy to nursing and radiology is a strong asset.

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.
Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and role.

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all teammates.

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with opportunities for professional development, including educational assistance for qualified teammates to enroll in AVMA‑accredited veterinary technician programs.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration, career growth, and sharing best practices.

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world‑class support to its 850+ hospital teams on a hyper‑local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com .

Driving the award‑winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian‑led, people‑focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact [e-mail] with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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Location:Capitol Illini Veterinary Services (Springfield)