Veterinary Assistant

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Profit sharing
• Training & development

ABOUT US:
Pets First is an appointment-based urgent care/ER bridging the gap between general practice and traditional emergency hospitals. We offer low-cost hospitalization when appropriate and emergency dental care (with RVT-supported radiography and prophylaxis within RVT scope). We collaborate closely with board-certified veterinary specialistscriticalists, surgeons, internists, cardiologists, and dentiststo elevate patient outcomes and team learning.

SCHEDULE:

• Soft Open: January 9, 2026 June 2026
  • Operating FriMon, 11:00 a.m.9:00 p.m.
• Expansion: Transition to 57 days/week with the Grand Opening in June 2026
  • Opportunity for a fixed or rotating schedule at expansion, based on team preferences and hospital needs
    
    

COMPENSATION: $22$30/hour to start, based on skills and experience

BENEFITS AND PERKS

• Flexible Scheduling
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Structured Training & Development (RVT or other clinical pathways)
• Competitive Compensation
• Revenue-Sharing
• Premium Health Insurance (HMO or PPO)
• 401(k) Matching
• Employee Pet Insurance
• Culture-driven, supportive working environment

RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Support (under RVT/DVM supervision)

• Triage & rooming: capture thorough histories, vitals (TPR/weight/pain score), and help prioritize cases using protocols
• Practice low-stress handling and restraint for exams, imaging, and treatments
• Prepare treatment/surgery/dental areas; assist with instrument care and sterilization (autoclave)
• Assist with sample collection and processing (urine, fecal, ear/skin cytology) per protocols
• Radiography assistance: positioning/restraint and radiation-safety compliance
• Patient care & monitoring: comfort rounds, nutrition/hydration support, timely reporting; document accurately in the EMR
• Pharmacy support (prep/label/dispense) within VACSP rules and under DVM direction
• Run approved in-house tests; maintain logs and precise EMR entries

Client Interaction, Phones & Coordination

• Answer phones and perform call triage using decision trees; schedule and set expectations with warmth and clarity
• Guide clients through visit flow; review estimates/consents (with RVT/DVM) and support check-in/checkout
• Deliver discharge reinforcement (home-care/medication instructions) and complete follow-up calls per protocol
• Assist with issue resolution professionally, escalating to the RVT/DVM/Manager as appropriate

Operations & Quality

• Inventory support: stocking, counts, expiration checks, and vendor coordination assistance
• Uphold safety and compliance (OSHA/Cal-OSHA, radiation safety, DEA/Board documentation under supervision)
• Contribute to a safe, organized, and patient-ready environment as part of routine standards
• Participate in team trainings/case reviews; offer ideas to improve workflow and patient experience

TRAINING AND GROWTH

• Structured skill progression with RVT mentorship and checklists (triage, anesthesia support, dentistry support, diagnostics)
• Shadow opportunities with RVTs/DVMs and exposure to specialty collaboration (critical care, IM, surgery, cardiology, dentistry)
• Guidance on RVT pathway planning (scope, competencies, exam readiness resources)
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience as a VA or in animal care (GP, urgent care, ER, shelter) preferred
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) promptly after hire (or current VACSP) required
• Strong low-stress handling, organization, and teamwork skills
• Excellent communication and client-service skills; calm under pressure
• Comfortable with EMR/computers; able to lift ~50 lbs safely and stand for extended periods
• Evening/weekend availability within the schedule above
  
  

Pets First Veterinary Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All medical decisions are made by veterinarians; duties remain within the California scope of practice for Veterinary Assistants and are performed under RVT/DVM supervision.