Veterinary Assistant

Ethos Discovery; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

EAP

three weeks PTO

Continuing education

RV T/VTS support

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS) in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a Veterinary Assistant focused on Oncology to support veterinarians, technicians, and the oncology team in cancer diagnostics and treatment. This full-time role offers exposure to specialty medicine and compassionate patient care.

You will work four 10-hour shifts with weekend and holiday flexibility, contributing to a collaborative workflow and ongoing professional development in a supportive learning environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with small animals (dogs and cats).
• Understanding of veterinary terminology and patient care.
• Strong communication, organization, and time management.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians with oncology exams, treatments, diagnostics, and patient care.
• Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats for exams and procedures.
• Assist with lab testing, sample collection, medications, and treatments under supervision.
• Monitor and provide nursing support for patients during visits.
• Prepare and stock examination rooms and treatment areas.

Skills

High school diploma

Small animal handling

Communication

Time management

Multitasking

Professional demeanor

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Oncology

Up to $26.00/hour (DOE)
$4.00/hr differential for any hours worked between 6pm-6am
$2.00/hr weekend differential
Full-time opportunity in Santa Barbara, California
Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts | Weekend & holiday flexibility required

Build your career in veterinary oncology with Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS). As an Oncology Veterinary Assistant, you'll work alongside veterinary specialists, Registered Veterinary Technicians, and an experienced clinical team providing compassionate care for pets undergoing cancer diagnostics and treatment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Veterinary Assistant who wants to expand their clinical skills, gain experience in specialty veterinary medicine, and support patients and families throughout their oncology care journey.

Why Join Advanced Veterinary Specialists

Advanced Veterinary Specialists is a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in Santa Barbara providing advanced care across Oncology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Cardiology, and Emergency & Critical Care.

Our Oncology team combines advanced veterinary medicine with compassionate patient and client care. You'll gain hands-on experience while working in a collaborative environment focused on mentorship, continuing education, and professional development.

In Your Day-to-Day, You Will

• Assist veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians with oncology examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and patient care.
• Safely handle, restrain, and position dogs and cats for examinations and procedures.
• Assist with laboratory testing, sample collection, medications, and treatments under appropriate supervision.
• Monitor and provide compassionate nursing support for patients throughout their visits.
• Prepare, clean, stock, and organize examination rooms, treatment areas, equipment, and supplies.
• Communicate compassionately with clients and support education regarding treatment plans and home care.
• Collaborate with Oncology and other specialty teams to maintain efficient workflow and exceptional patient care.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• General knowledge and experience with small animal handling and restraint, particularly dogs and cats.
• Basic understanding of veterinary medical terminology and patient care.
• Strong communication, organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multitask and follow hospital protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Calm, compassionate, and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative veterinary team.
• Veterinary hospital experience or enrollment in a Veterinary Technology program preferred.

Perks & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• three weeks of accrued paid time off
• monthly RACE-approved continuing education
• VetBloom learning and development resources
• eligible CE and coursework support
• career milestone bonuses for earning your RVT or VTS
• and professional growth and advancement opportunities

Location Highlight

Build your veterinary oncology career in beautiful Santa Barbara, with access to beaches, mountains, hiking, dining, and year-round outdoor recreation. AVS is accessible to veterinary professionals throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito, Summerland, Ventura, Oxnard, and surrounding Central Coast communities.

If you're a Veterinary Assistant, Oncology Veterinary Assistant, Specialty Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician Assistant, or veterinary professional interested in animal oncology, cancer care, specialty medicine, and advanced patient care, we'd love to hear from you.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class veterinary medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside veterinary professionals committed to learning, collaboration, compassionate care, and clinical excellence.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and help advance veterinary medicine - together.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.