Veterinary Assistant

Companion Pet Partners; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package (health, dental, and

Education support

PTO & mental health support

Employee discounts & scrub allowance

Referral program

Job summary

Animal Hospital of Soquel, a premier veterinary hospital in Santa Cruz, CA, is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant to join a compassionate animal healthcare team. You’ll assist with examinations, diagnostics, and surgeries, while maintaining patient comfort and accurate medical records.

The role offers growth in a sophisticated medical environment with opportunities for training and professional development, plus a supportive team culture and benefits.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• One or more years of veterinary experience preferred but training available.
• Basic computer skills for maintaining electronic medical records.
• Associate degree in veterinary technology or continuing education in veterinary science is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist the veterinary team with treatments, diagnostics, and surgeries, preparing equipment, monitoring patients, and maintaining accurate records of care.
• Handle and restrain animals with confidence and gentleness, ensuring comfort during examinations and procedures.
• Relay important patient updates to veterinarians and fellow team members to maintain continuity of care.
• Communicate care plans and home instructions to pet owners with empathy and professionalism.

Skills

Animal handling

Imaging positioning

Venipuncture

Medication administration

Prescriptions guidance

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in veterinary technology or continuing education

Job description

Why Join Our Team

Join a nationally recognized leader in veterinary health. Animal Hospital of Soquel is proud to be named one of the Best Veterinary Hospitals in the US for 2026 by Newsweek. We are a premier pet care destination, combining gold-standard medicine with premium lodging and daycare services. Our AAHA-accredited, state-of-the-art facility offers a sophisticated medical environment—including emergency care, surgery, advanced diagnostics, and dentistry for professionals who are passionate about practicing at the highest level. Our practice takes pride in fostering a peaceful, healing environment for both pets and people. Our compassionate team extends care beyond our facility by supporting local nonprofits and animal welfare organizations, making a difference for animals throughout the community.

Located in beautiful Santa Cruz, California, experience the perfect blend of nature and culture with beaches at your doorstep, a thriving art scene, farm-to-table cuisine, and wine country meeting the ocean breeze. Join us to make a difference while living your best life in one of California's most desirable coastal communities.

What Sets Us Apart

• Excellence Recognized: Our "Best Veterinary Practice" award and AAHA accredidation reflect our unwavering commitment to quality medicine and veterinary excellence
• Comprehensive Services: Equipped and staffed for everything from preventative care to complex surgeries
• Community Impact: Active support for local shelters and rescue groups
• Calm Environment: Peaceful, healing atmosphere for both patients and clients
• Collaborative Culture: Patient-centered team dynamic with growth opportunities

About This Role

Join our veterinary hospital as a full-time Veterinary Assistant and become a teammate of our animal healthcare team! This position offers the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful difference in animals' lives while building a strong foundation in veterinary medicine. If you have a genuine love for animals and a desire to grow in the veterinary field, we'd love to welcome you to our team!

• We are open to training the right candidate if you do not have experience*

What Success Looks Like

• Compassionate Care Provider: You'll handle and restrain animals with confidence and gentleness, ensuring their comfort during examinations and procedures while providing reassurance to pets experiencing stress or illness.
• Medical Support Expert: You'll assist our veterinary team with treatments, diagnostics, and surgeries, preparing equipment, monitoring patients, and maintaining accurate records of care provided.
• Hospital Caretaker: You'll maintain the cleanliness and organization of our hospital, ensuring a safe, sanitary environment for our patients, clients, and team members.
• Communication Liaison: You'll relay important patient updates to veterinarians and fellow team members, helping maintain continuity of care and ensuring all staff are well-informed about patients' status.
• Client Educator: Under veterinarian guidance, you'll communicate with pet owners about their animals' care, medications, and home treatment plans, providing clear instructions with empathy and professionalism.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Strong animal handling skills with the ability to safely restrain patients of all temperaments for examinations and procedures
• Knowledge of diagnostic imaging positioning and laboratory diagnostics
• Proficiency with venipuncture including IV catheter placement and blood draws
• Experienced with medication administration (PO, SQ, IM, and IV) and vaccine administration
• Knowledge of prescription medications to effectively instruct clients with home care instructions
• Excellent attention to detail in monitoring patients and maintaining medical records
• Effective communication skills with team members and clients

Education & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• One or more years of experience in a veterinary environment preferred but open to training the right candidate!
• Prior animal handling experience highly valued
• Basic computer skills for maintaining electronic medical records
• Associate degree in veterinary technology or continuing education in veterinary science a plus

How We'll Support You

• Competitive Pay: $17.00 - $24.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus 401k with company match
• Growth Opportunities: Continuing education and professional development support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO and mental health assistance
• Perks: Employee discounts on services, a scrub allowance, and a referral program
• A Welcoming Team: We’re a hard-working and collaborative team where your voice matters!

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.