Veterinary Assistant (Part-time)

Companion Pet; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401k with company match

CE and professional development

PTO and mental health support

Employee discounts

Scrub allowance

Referral program

Welcoming team

Job summary

Center Veterinary Clinic in San Diego is seeking a part-time Veterinary Assistant to join our animal healthcare team. You’ll provide compassionate care, assist veterinarians with treatments, diagnostics, and surgeries, and help maintain a clean, organized hospital environment.

This role emphasizes client communication, accurate medical records, and strong animal handling, with opportunities for growth through continuing education and professional development.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Compassionate care provider: handle and restrain animals with confidence and gentleness during examinations and procedures.
• Medical support expert: assist veterinarians with treatments, diagnostics, and surgeries, and maintain records of care.
• Hospital caretaker: maintain cleanliness and organization of the hospital for a safe environment.
• Communication liaison: relay important patient updates to veterinarians and team members.
• Client educator: communicate care plans, medications, and home care with empathy and clarity.

Skills

Animal handling

Imaging positioning

Venipuncture & IV

Medication administration

Client communication

Medical records

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in veterinary technology or continuing education in veterinary science a plus

Tools

EMR software

Job description

Why Join Our Team

For over three decades, Center Veterinary Clinic has been a trusted name in San Diego, combining a compassionate community focus with advanced medical capabilities. We are proud to be named one of Newsweek’s Best Veterinary Hospitals in the US for 2026, a testament to our high-quality care. Our team remains dedicated to delivering a unique blend of advanced urgent care and integrative wellness, including specialized endoscopy, acupuncture, and progressive pain management.

Our modern facility features full IDEXX in-house laboratory capabilities, a Cubex inventory system, and eight examination rooms within a workflow designed for maximum efficiency. With multiple Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) providing strong clinical support, we maintain exceptional patient flow so our veterinarians can focus on practicing outstanding medicine.

What Sets Us Apart

• Excellence Recognized: Our "Best Veterinary Practice" award and 30+ years of dedication reflect our unwavering commitment to veterinary excellence
• Team-Driven Culture: Built on respect, collaboration, and compassion
• Advanced Medicine: Offering specialized services like endoscopy and acupuncture
• Efficient Design: Purpose-built workflow and systems for optimal patient care
• Strong Support: Multiple RVTs and sophisticated technology for clinical excellence

Located in San Diego, join a practice where innovation meets heart in one of California's most desirable coastal cities. Experience a rare opportunity to build a career—not just a job—with a team that values both clinical excellence and personal fulfillment.

About This Role

Join our veterinary hospital as a part-time Veterinary Assistantand 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!

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
• 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:$20.00 - $23.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: 401k with company match
• Growth Opportunities:Continuing education and professional development supportWork-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.