Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

VCA Animal Hospitals; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Pet discounts

Flexible schedule

401K with company match

HSA/FSA options

Job summary

VCA California Veterinary Specialist in Carlsbad, CA is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for the Surgery Department in the Pack and Prep Area. Location: 2310 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Schedule: Full-time, 4x10-hour days, alternative work week.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and pet discounts. Join a supportive team focused on career growth, ongoing training, and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Previous Veterinary Assistant experience required.
• Knowledge of veterinary procedures and animal care.
• Excellent communication and ability to work in fast-paced settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in patient care, including emergencies and specialty treatments.
• Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas, ensuring cleanliness and stock.
• Take patient histories, administer medications, and prepare samples for labs.
• Monitor patients before, during, and after procedures for comfort and safety.
• Educate pet owners on post-procedure care and provide clear instructions.
• Handle medical and surgical instruments with care per sterilization protocols.
• Collaborate with team to manage a busy caseload efficiently.

Skills

Veterinary experience

Communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Tools

Sterilization equipment

Laboratory equipment

Job description

VCA California Veterinary Specialist is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for our Surgery Department in the Pack and Prep Area.

Location: 2310 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Schedule: Full-time, 4X10-hour days, alternative work week

Why we love VCA CVS Carlsbad:

• Small hospital feel with big company support


• Competitive compensation ($18-$20, hourly), shift differential: $3/hour


• Generous employee pet discounts


• Flexible Schedules


• Great coastal community location close to the beach, food options, fitness centers, and shopping


• Monthly hospital-wide activities & games, raffles, with awesome prizes


• Access to "Perkspot"- receive coupons and discounts for anything you can imagine


• We value your voice and regularly implement suggested changes from our suggestion box


• Join various hospital committees or VCA Diversity Resource Groups to further enrich your experience and involvement in the hospital & company


• In-hospital, fresh food micro-market always stocked with an ever-changing array of food and drink options


• Sweet & Savory Stop - get your fix with international snacks and treats


• Referral rewards - tell your friends why they should come work for here too, and if they are hired, you can receive a referral bonus if eligible.


• Supportive, multi-faceted, educational training program


• We are focused on your career growth; we empower you with all the knowledge and skills you need to be successful


• Opportunities to get out into the community and participate in local events


• Something new every day - you'll never be bored


• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance


• 401K w/ company match


• HSA/FSA options


• Paid Holidays


• Vacation & Sick time off

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in all aspects of patient care, including emergency procedures and specialty treatments.


• Prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas, ensuring they are clean and stocked.


• Perform routine tasks such as taking patient histories, administering medications, and preparing samples for laboratory tests.


• Monitor patients before, during, and after procedures, ensuring their comfort and well-being.


• Educate pet owners on post-procedure care and provide them with detailed instructions and support.


• Handle medical and surgical instruments with care, adhering to sterilization and safety protocols.


• Collaborate with team members to manage and prioritize a busy caseload efficiently.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant or in a related field is required.


• Strong knowledge of veterinary procedures, medical terminology, and animal care.


• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact compassionately with pet owners and team members.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a positive attitude.


• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.


• Ability to lift and carry heavy loads and stand for extended periods.


• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 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 - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com