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 specialists—criticalists, surgeons, internists, cardiologists, and dentists—to elevate patient outcomes and team learning.

SCHEDULE :

Soft Open : January 9, 2026 – June 2026

Operating Fri–Mon, 11 : 00 a.m.–9 : 00 p.m.

Expansion : Transition to 5–7 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.