Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking a Emergency Veterinary Assistant to join their team!At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.Because life is better with pets.We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.At Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, California, our team shares a passion for exceptional patient care and a deep sense of teamwork. We work closely across departments to ensure every pet receives the highest quality of care and every client feels supported. Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and learning. Team members are encouraged to grow their skills through mentorship, continuing education, and hands-on experience in a supportive environment.Why Join Us:We take pride in fostering a collaborative, team-oriented culture, along with a strong commitment to growth and advancement within our Emergency Department. Our hospital values meaningful partnerships between doctors, technicians, assistants, and client care teams, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where team members feel supported, heard, and empowered to grow professionally.We are seeking individuals who are passionate about high-quality emergency medicine and thrive in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. As part of our growing ER department, you will play an important role in shaping its future while working with a diverse and dynamic caseload, ranging from urgent care to complex medical cases. This provides ongoing opportunities to strengthen your emergency and critical care skills.We also emphasize mentorship and collaboration, ensuring team members have the support and resources needed to build confidence and expand their knowledge in emergency medicine. As our service continues to grow and evolve, we are excited to welcome individuals who are eager to learn, contribute, and be part of that journey.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide compassionate care to all patientsGreet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrivalTriage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).Calm and soothe anxious patientsAssist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraintPerform laboratory tests and take radiographsOperate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviorsCommunicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plansMaintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundryBath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their releaseAdhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulationsUnderstand and carry out oral and written directionsMaintain accurate medical recordsShow up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shiftPromote hospital products and services and support the organizationRespond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)Qualifications (Required)2 or more years of experience working as an assistant in the veterinary field. Experience in Triage, Sub-Q injections, history taking, restraint, assisting with exams, and radiographsPreferred Skills (Nice to Have)Previous ER experienceScheduleSunday - Wednesday, day shift starting between 7AM - 12PM4 Ten hour shifts, including a weekend shift and some holidays.What We OfferWe care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:Medical, dental, and vision insurancePaid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)401(k) with discretionary contributionTeam Member Pet DiscountsEmotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAPCE stipends and career development resourcesGrant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardshipLocal hospital culture backed by national resourcesPay Range$23—$27 USDAt PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.You care for pets. We care for you.PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. 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