Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Ethos Veterinary Health; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off including sick leave and

Short-term and long-term disability

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Continuing education support

Reimbursement for continuing education

VetBloom continuing education access

Bonuses for RVT/VTS certification

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

SAGE Veterinary Centers – Redwood City is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our Surgery team. This role supports board-certified surgeons and the surgical team in a fast-paced hospital, delivering compassionate patient care and client communication throughout the care continuum.

You will prepare surgery suites, assist with restraints, maintain equipment, and help with recovery, anesthesia prep, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in the veterinary field.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Strong verbal and written communication with clients and team.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with patient restraint during surgical procedures.
• Prepare and maintain surgery suites and recovery spaces.
• Stock and clean surgical equipment and anesthesia machines.
• Assist with patient recovery and client communication.
• Support administrative tasks and documentation.

Skills

Veterinary experience

Customer service

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Physical stamina

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Job description

Veterinary Assistant – Surgery

Up to $32.00/hour (based on experience and skill set) + $5.50/hour shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM

Full-Time | Redwood City, California

SAGE Veterinary Centers – Redwood City is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our Surgery team. As one of the Bay Area's premier specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, SAGE Redwood City provides advanced surgical care supported by board-certified surgeons and a collaborative team of specialists dedicated to delivering exceptional patient outcomes.

This role is ideal for an experienced veterinary assistant who thrives in a fast-paced surgical environment and is passionate about supporting patients, clients, and the surgical team throughout every stage of care.

Why Join SAGE Redwood City?

At SAGE Redwood City, you'll work alongside board-certified surgeons and specialty teams in a collaborative, team-focused environment that encourages continuous learning and professional growth. You'll gain hands-on experience with advanced surgical procedures while helping deliver exceptional care using state-of-the-art equipment and evidence-based medicine. Every member of our team plays an important role in improving patient outcomes and supporting clients through every stage of care.

In Your Day-to-Day, You Will

• Assist veterinarians with patient restraint during surgical procedures.
• Prepare and maintain surgery suites, treatment areas, kennels, and recovery spaces to ensure a clean, organized, and safe environment.
• Stock surgery suites and treatment areas with necessary equipment and supplies.
• Maintain and clean anesthesia machines, surgical equipment, and instruments.
• Sterilize and prepare surgical instruments according to hospital protocols.
• Assist with patient recovery, including walking, feeding, and providing compassionate nursing support.
• Handle laundry duties to ensure surgical linens and materials are clean and ready for use.
• Communicate with clients regarding financial estimates, surgical updates, discharge instructions, medications, and follow-up care.
• Support administrative tasks including medical record documentation, data entry, and scheduling assistance.
• Collaborate closely with surgeons, RVTs, and the surgery team to ensure efficient workflow and outstanding patient care.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative hospital culture focused on surgical excellence.

What You Bring

• Minimum of three years of experience in the veterinary field with a strong background in veterinary customer service.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail in patient care, surgical preparation, and equipment maintenance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a high-energy surgical team.
• Positive, proactive attitude and commitment to exceptional patient care and client service.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work beyond scheduled shifts when needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with patient movement.
• Organized, reliable, and passionate about delivering outstanding patient care.

Perks & Benefits

Benefits for this role include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.

• 401(k) with employer contribution, paid vacation, and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), health and wellness resources, and uniforms provided
• Three weeks of accrued paid time off
• Monthly RACE-approved continuing education courses and staff development opportunities
• Reimbursement for eligible continuing education and coursework
• VetBloom continuing education access and ongoing professional development
• Bonuses for major career milestones, including earning RVT or VTS certification
• Career advancement opportunities within Ethos Veterinary Health

Location Highlight

Redwood City offers the best of the San Francisco Peninsula, with easy access to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, coastal destinations, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. Enjoy a vibrant community while advancing your career at one of the nation's leading specialty veterinary hospitals.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class veterinary medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of more than 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to advance your surgical veterinary career while working alongside an exceptional team committed to providing outstanding patient care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.