VETERINARY ASSISTANT - SB

SANTA BARBARA HUMANE SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY T; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Barbara Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support our clinical team in providing quality care for shelter animals and community pets. You will assist with examinations, treatments, and surgical preparation, restrain animals safely, and help maintain clean, organized clinical spaces.

You will support accurate medical records, client communication, and daily clinic operations, contributing to Fear-Free patient handling and

Qualifications

• Valid VACSP permit or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume veterinary clinic environment.
• Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic environment.
• Ability to safely restrain animals for examinations and procedures.
• Knowledge of OSHA and DEA regulations and compliance monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and RVTs with exams, treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Prepare and maintain exam rooms, surgical areas, and medical equipment.
• Collect and process samples (blood, urine, fecal).
• Perform radiographs following proper safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records and client communications.
• Support clinic operations and safety protocols.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication skills

English proficiency

Fear-Free techniques

Education

VACSP permit / obtain within 30 days

Tools

Radiographs operation

Medical records systems

PPE & radiation safety

Job description

As a Veterinary Assistant you will be a key team member to support our clinical team in providing quality care for shelter animals and community pets. In this hands-on role, you’ll assist with examinations, treatments, and surgical preparation; safely handle animals; and maintain clean, organized clinical spaces. You’ll also support accurate medical records and provide welcoming, empathetic client service while helping daily clinic operations run smoothly.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESAssist veterinarians and RVTs with exams, treatments, and surgical proceduresSafely and effectively restrain animals for examinations and procedures.. (Fearfree)Prepare and maintain exam rooms, surgical areas, and medical equipmentCollect and process samples (blood, urine, fecal) as directedPerform radiographs following proper safety protocolsAdminister medications and treatments as directed by medical staffMaintain accurate and timely medical recordsSupport client communication, including discharge instructions and basic educationEnsure cleanliness and organization of the clinic at all timesFollow all safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and radiation safety standardsPerform other duties as assigned.ROLE QUALIFICATIONSValid Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) from the CaliforniaVeterinary Medical Board or have the ability to obtain a permit within 30 days ofemployment.Ability to assist veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians in the practice ofmedicine and surgery and perform support functions; ability to provide effective medicaland client services in a fast-paced, high-volume veterinary clinic environment.Experience (paid or volunteer) in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic environment;ability to work in a fast-paced environment.Animal handling/restraint experience and commitment to Fear-Free techniques.Knowledge of related federal and state animal health laws and regulations includingOSHA and DEA; monitor compliance and inform the Director of Veterinary Services ofany regulatory issues.Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, as required tocollaborate with English-speaking team members and customers, and to ensure safetyprotocols are followed.Commitment to humane, compassionate animal care and adherence to positive reinforcement and Fear Free principles.Work ScheduleBased on five 8-hour days; able to work weekends, overtime, and rotating holidays; work maybe assigned at either SBH campus or off-site.