Veterinary Technician - Emergency

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Small hospital feel

Flexible schedules

Educational training program

Career growth opportunities

Coastal location near beach

Job summary

VCA California Veterinary Specialist - Carlsbad is seeking an exceptional Veterinary Technician for the Emergency Department. The team provides high‑quality care for critically ill animals with strong medical and surgical support, alongside veterinarians and specialists.

This full‑time, overnight position offers a 4‑day/10‑hour schedule with a competitive hourly wage and a $5,000 bonus for qualified RVT candidates. Located at 2310 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA, near beaches and coastal amenities.

Qualifications

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (LVT/RVT/CVT) in California.
• Experience in emergency and specialty settings preferred.
• Strong clinical skills in anesthesia, surgery, and critical or specialty care.

Responsibilities

• Perform and assist with anesthesia, surgery, and diagnostic imaging.
• Monitor critically ill and injured patients under veterinarians’ supervision.
• Obtain histories, triage, and interpret diagnostic results.
• Administer medications and document all care provided.
• Maintain equipment, sterilization, and safety protocols.
• Educate pet owners on treatment plans and at-home care.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in a high-stress environment.

Skills

Emergency care

Anesthesia proficiency

Surgical assistance

Critical care

Education

California-registered Veterinary Technician

Tools

Surgical instruments

Job description

VCA California Veterinary Specialist - Carlsbad is looking for an exceptional Veterinary Technician for the Emergency Department.

Bonus: $5,000 for qualified overnight RVT candidates.

Location: 2310 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Schedule: Full-Time, 4-day, 10-hour alternative workweek, overnights

Salary: $ 25 - $ 36 / hour

• Small hospital feel, with big company support
• Flexible Schedules
• 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
• Great coastal community location close to the beach, food options, fitness centers, and shopping

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician to become a key member of our fast-paced emergency and specialty team. As a credentialed technician, you will utilize your expertise to provide high-quality care and support for critically ill and injured animals, working closely with our veterinarians and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Location: 2310 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and assist with a range of advanced veterinary procedures, including anesthesia, surgery, and diagnostic imaging.
• Monitor and manage critically ill and injured patients, providing support and care under the supervision of veterinarians.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including obtaining patient histories, performing triage and TPR, and understanding diagnostic results.
• Administer medications, treatments, and therapies as prescribed, and document all care provided.
• Utilize and maintain medical equipment and instruments, ensuring adherence to sterilization and safety protocols.
• Provide compassionate care and communicate effectively with pet owners, educating them on treatment plans, procedures, and at-home care.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to manage complex cases and prioritize patient needs in a high-stress environment.

Qualifications

• Credentialed as a Veterinary Technician (LVT, RVT, or CVT) in California.
• Proven experience in emergency and specialty veterinary settings is preferred.
• Strong clinical skills with proficiency in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and critical or specialty care are preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with team members and pet owners.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism and compassion.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, potentially including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

VCA Animal Hospitals offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including Medical/Dental/Vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, pet care discounts, paid vacation, holidays, and sick days, health and well-being programs that provide resources and training. Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. The pay range for this position is $25 - $36 per hour.

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.