Veterinary Assistant - Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital

Berkeleydogandcat; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

Emotional wellbeing support

Career development resources

Job summary

Berkeleydogandcat seeks a Veterinary Assistant to join their team and provide compassionate care for pets in Berkeley, California. The role supports veterinarians with tasks such as restraining patients, maintaining hospital equipment, and ensuring cleanliness.

Ideal candidates have prior experience in the veterinary field. A full-time day shift is required, Monday to Friday, with a focus on quality care and teamwork.

The position offers medical benefits, career development, and a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Veterinary Assistant is ideal, with 2 years preferred.
• Ability to perform laboratory tests and take radiographs.
• Skills in operating and maintaining hospital equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Greet and triage patients, take vital signs.
• Assist doctors and technicians with administration of medications.
• Maintain hospital cleanliness and equipment.

Skills

Experience in the veterinary field

Compassionate care

Communication skills

Ability to manage stressful situations

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital

PetVet Care Centers' Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital is currently seeking Veterinary Assistant to join their team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital in Berkeley, California is a well‑established practice serving a diverse urban community with comprehensive veterinary services. The team is dedicated to progressive medicine, client education, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative work environment.

Why Join Us:

• Join a hospital that has proudly served the Berkeley community since 1907, with a long‑standing reputation for compassionate care and community trust. Enjoy the opportunity to work in a GP/Urgent Care hybrid setting, with plans to expand the Urgent Care side by late 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients
• Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient’s weight and other vital signs upon arrival
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs)
• Calm and soothe anxious patients
• Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors and machines, etc.
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging and security of controlled drugs
• Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviours
• Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness and medicinal plans
• Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
• Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
• Adhere to the hospital’s safety and wellness regulations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Show up for work regularly; full‑time presence at work is essential for every shift
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
• Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs)
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Qualifications

• Experience in the veterinary field required.
• 2–2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant is ideal.

Schedule

• Full Time, Day Shift
• Monday - Friday
• Open to reviewing combination of availability

What We Offer

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$22 — $27 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high‑quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V