Veterinary Assistant

Vetcor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Tuition support

Uniform allowance

Referral bonuses

Six paid holidays

Job summary

Oakridge Veterinary Clinic, part of Vetcor, is seeking an Experienced Veterinary Assistant in California. The role is full-time with a schedule of four 10-hour shifts, including weekends, and a pay range of $19–$25 per hour.

You will support veterinarians, technicians, and receptionists, helping with patient care, exams, surgeries, radiology, and medications while maintaining a clean, comfortable hospital environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of proper patient handling, treatment preparation, laboratory procedures, and the use, care, and sterilization of veterinary instruments and equipment.
• Strong understanding of client communication, patient care standards, and quality service.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, work independently, and follow direction in a fast-paced team.
• Skilled at assessing situations, identifying issues, and applying logical reasoning to find effective solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with attention to detail in records and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Patient Care & Comfort: Provide compassionate care for hospitalized and boarding animals, including feeding, walking, cleaning, monitoring for signs of illness, and maintaining sanitary conditions.
• Clinical Support: Safely restrain patients, assist with exams, treatments, surgeries, radiology, and dental procedures under supervision.
• Facility & Equipment Maintenance: Clean and disinfect exam rooms, kennels, and surgical areas; prepare and maintain surgical packs and medical equipment.
• Laboratory & Medication Assistance: Perform basic in-house lab tests, prepare samples for external labs, administer oral medications as directed, and dispense prescribed treatments.
• Client Communication & Team Collaboration: Greet clients, assist with admissions/discharges, maintain medical records, educate on products and preventive care, and support doctors and staff.

Skills

Patient handling

Client communication

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

Verbal & written comms

Job description

Who We Are

• Role: Experienced Veterinary Assistant


• Status: Full-time


• Salary: $19–$25 per hour

Position Details

• Role: Experienced Veterinary Assistant


• Status: Full-time


• Salary: $19–$25 per hour


• Schedule: 4 days, 10-hour shifts, Available weekends

Benefits Highlights

• Financial Rewards that Grow with You: Competitive pay, 401(k) matching, tuition support, and referral bonuses


• Wellness & Peace of Mind: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with supplemental options; up to three weeks of paid parental leave; generous PTO; and employee discounts


• Professional Growth & Recognition: Quarterly team bonuses, continuing education allowance, state license & VTNE fee reimbursement, and uniform allowance


• Lifestyle Perks You’ll Appreciate: Six paid holidays and an Employee Assistance Program

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and receptionists in all duties of the hospital, and ensures a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients at Oakridge Veterinary Clinic. The responsibilities vary with the current needs of the hospital team, the season of the year, and the individual abilities demonstrated by the employee. This is an overview of the position, and the duties listed do not encompass the entire position. The Veterinary Assistant is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Technician team Leader and the Veterinarians.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Patient Care & Comfort: Provide compassionate care for hospitalized and boarding animals, including feeding, walking, cleaning, monitoring for signs of illness, and maintaining sanitary conditions.


• Clinical Support: Safely restrain patients, assist with exams, treatments, surgeries, radiology, and dental procedures under the supervision of veterinarians or technicians.


• Facility & Equipment Maintenance: Clean and disinfect exam rooms, kennels, and surgical areas; prepare and maintain surgical packs and medical equipment according to hospital protocols.


• Laboratory & Medication Assistance: Perform basic in-house lab tests, prepare samples for external labs, administer oral medications as directed, and accurately dispense prescribed treatments.


• Client Communication & Team Collaboration: Greet clients warmly, assist with patient admissions and discharges, maintain accurate medical records, educate clients on products and preventive care, and work collaboratively to support doctors and staff.

Skills And Knowledge

• Knowledge of proper patient handling, treatment preparation, laboratory procedures, and the use, care, and sterilization of veterinary instruments and equipment.


• Strong understanding of client communication, patient care standards, and the importance of providing compassionate, high-quality service.


• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, work independently, and follow direction within a fast-paced team environment.


• Skilled at assessing situations, identifying issues, and applying logical reasoning to find effective solutions.


• Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong command of English grammar and attention to detail in recordkeeping and documentation.

Financial Benefits

• A flexible approach to compensation that reflects your skill set and future performance


• 401(k) matching & Roth Retirement Savings Plan


• Flexible Spending Account (full-time only)


• 529 Savings Plan


• Tuition Support Program (full-time only)


• Referral bonus program

Wellness Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision (full-time only)


• Supplemental insurance, including accident, critical illness, hospital, short and long-term disability, legal plan, and employee, spouse, and child-dependent life insurance (full-time only)


• Up to three weeks of full pay for the birth or adoption of a child (full-time employees only; available after one year of service). In states with paid family leave programs, this benefit does not apply.


• Sick Time / Paid Time Off


• Free/discounted lab work for all employee pets


• Pet discounts on services and products


• Pet food discount program

Workplace Benefits

• Quarterly Team Rewards Bonus Program


• State license reimbursement


• VTNE exam fee reimbursement


• Professional development opportunities


• Continuing education allowance


• Uniform allowance

Lifestyle Benefits

• Six paid holidays (full-time only)


• Employee Assistance Program


• Employee discount program

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Oakridge Veterinary Clinic and Vetcor. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all employees. Every team member enriches our diversity by exposing us to various ways to understand and engage with the world. That’s why we’re committed to a workplace culture where employees are comfortable being their authentic selves, feel a complete sense of belonging, and are empowered to reach their highest potential.