Veterinary Assistant - Montecito Pet Hospital

Montecitopethospital; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; 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

CE stipends and career development resources

Local hospital culture

Job summary

Montecito Pet Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support our veterinarians and technicians in providing compassionate care. Responsibilities include assisting with patient examinations, performing laboratory tests, and maintaining hospital equipment. Candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant experience in a veterinary environment. The position offers full-time hours, Monday through Friday, and a pay range of $21–$24 USD per hour, along with benefits like medical and dental insurance.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a veterinary environment.
• Ability to perform duties such as restraining and handling patients.
• Capable of operating hospital equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Assist with physical examinations and treatments.
• Maintain cleanliness in the hospital and equipment.

Skills

Veterinary environment experience

Compassionate care

Client communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EKG equipment

Fluid pump

Anesthetic monitors

Job description

Position: Veterinary Assistant – Montecito Pet Hospital

PetVet Care Centers' Montecito Pet Hospital is currently seeking Veterinary Assistants to join our team!

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

Position Overview

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will support veterinarians and technicians in daily tasks: cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising, grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and performing clerical and administrative work. Your role ensures quality care for all patients and exceptional service.

Montecito Pet Hospital in Santa Barbara, California, is a quick walk to the beach and offers a unique client culture. Our team is supportive, collaborative, and focused on professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Greet patients and owners, guide them to the examination room, and record weight and vital signs.
• Assist with triage, physical examinations, treatments, and administration of medication as directed by licensed veterinary technicians.
• Calm and soothe anxious patients.
• Help doctors and technicians with medication administration or patient restraint.
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs.
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment (EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, etc.).
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, and maintain accurate documentation of controlled drugs.
• Feed patients as prescribed, record appetites, and report unusual conditions.
• Communicate positively with clients and ensure they feel comfortable leaving with their pet.
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medication plans.
• Maintain cleanliness of the hospital: clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using approved chemicals; complete laundry.
• Provide baths and care for overnight patients, ensuring each animal is groomed upon release.
• Adhere to safety and wellness regulations.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Show up for work regularly; full-time presence is essential.
• Promote hospital products and services.
• Respond promptly to directions from DVM or LVT.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Manager.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant experience in a veterinary environment, successfully performing duties described above.

Schedule

• Full‑time, Day Shift.
• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

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 and 24/7 EAP).
• CE stipends and career development resources.
• Grant Circle – relief fund for personal hardship.
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources.

Pay Range
$21 – $24 USD per hour

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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