Veterinary Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Tuition support

Referral bonuses

Medical/dental/vision

Parental leave

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Holidays

Job summary

Oakridge Veterinary Clinic in San Jose, CA is hiring an Experienced Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians, technicians, and receptionists. This full-time role involves patient care, clinical support, and maintaining a clean, organized hospital environment.

The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, schedule of 4 days, 10-hour shifts with weekends availability, and opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.

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 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with strong command of English grammar and attention to detail in recordkeeping 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 according to protocols.
• Laboratory & Medication Assistance: Perform basic in-house lab tests, prepare samples for external labs, administer oral medications, and dispense prescribed treatments.
• Client Communication & Team Collaboration: Greet clients warmly, assist with admissions/discharges, maintain medical records, educate on products and preventive care, support doctors and staff.

Skills

Clinical & Technical Expertise

Client Service

Organization & Independence

Communication Skills

Job description

Who we are:

Oakridge Veterinary Clinic is Hiring a Veterinary Assistant!

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:

• Clinical & Technical Expertise:
• Knowledge of proper patient handling, treatment preparation, laboratory procedures, and the use, care, and sterilization of veterinary instruments and equipment.
• Patient & Client Service:
• Strong understanding of client communication, patient care standards, and the importance of providing compassionate, high-quality service.
• Organization & Independence:
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, work independently, and follow direction within a fast-paced team environment.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
• Skilled at assessing situations, identifying issues, and applying logical reasoning to find effective solutions.
• Communication Skills:
• 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 reimbursementProfessional 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.