Veterinary Assistant - Cardiology

Vicar Operating, Inc. dba VCA; United States; On-site; USD 57,859,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Pet discounts

Job summary

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center in San Diego, CA seeks a Veterinary Assistant to support the Cardiology Department. The role involves assisting with outpatient and inpatient care, prepping diagnostic procedures, and monitoring patients under cardiology supervision.

We offer a full-time position with 4x10-hour shifts (Mon-Thu with alternating Saturdays), competitive hourly pay, and comprehensive benefits. Salary is negotiable based on credentials and experience.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in veterinary practice.
• Experience in a specialty practice or Veterinary Cardiology Medicine preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with outpatient appointments and inpatient care under the cardiologist.
• Preparing and assisting with advanced diagnostic procedures.
• Placing IV catheters, venipuncture, in-house labs, and administering medications.
• Monitoring patients pre-, intra-, and post-procedure; recovery from sedation or anesthesia.
• Maintaining accurate medical records and detailed treatment logs.
• Communicating clearly with clients regarding patient care and follow-up.

Job description

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center is looking for a Veterinary Assistant to support our Cardiology Department.

Location: 7675 Mission Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92108.

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center is a 24-hour emergency and specialty referral hospital located in the heart of beautiful San Diego, California. As part of our continued growth and the recent opening of our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in July 2025, we are seeking a dedicated and skilled Veterinary Assistant (VA) to join our Cardiology team. We offer advanced diagnostics and treatments and are committed to compassionate, high-quality care for our patients and clients.

The successful candidate will work closely with our cardiology doctors and support staff to manage complex cases and provide exceptional care.

Salary: $ 20 - $ 25 / hour. Schedule: Full-Time, 4x10-hour shifts; service days are Monday - Thursday and alternating Saturdays, 8 am - 6:30 pm. Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with outpatient appointments and inpatient care under the direction of the cardiologist
• Preparing and assisting with advanced diagnostic procedures
• Placing IV catheters, performing venipuncture, running in-house lab work, and administering medications
• Monitoring patients pre-, intra-, and post-procedure, including recovering patients from sedation or anesthesia
• Maintaining accurate medical records and detailed treatment logs
• Providing clear and compassionate communication with clients regarding patient care, discharge instructions, and follow-up
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and well‑stocked work environment
• Collaborating effectively with doctors, technicians, and support staff across departments

Qualifications:

• 1–2 years of experience in veterinary practice
• Previous experience in a specialty practice or Veterinary Cardiology Medicine preferred, but not required
• Strong communication skills and ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment
• Confidence in handling and restraining both dogs and cats, including patients with medical complexity
• A team‑oriented attitude with a strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Flexibility to work full‑time, with availability for weekday shifts and occasional holiday coverage

Benefits:

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation/sick days, a 401(k), generous employee pet discounts, and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

A leader in veterinary care, VCA Animal Hospitals is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. We are a family of hometown animal hospitals determined to positively impact pets, people and our communities. From primary care to emergency, urgent and specialty care, VCA delivers world‑class medicine and hometown care to more than four million pets each year. We invest in cutting‑edge tools, training and technology that enable Associates across our national network of hospitals to lead the industry today and into tomorrow. Among our talented 35,000 Associates are nearly 7,000 veterinarians – including 500 who are board‑certified specialists – nearly 4,000 credentialed technicians and over 10,000 veterinary assistants – all dedicated to giving pets the very best in medical care. The future of veterinary medicine is in our hands. Join us.