Find & Apply For Veterinary Assistant Jobs in El Cajon, California

Description Veterinary Technician / Veterinary Assistant Care & Comfort Veterinary Hospital |

Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner Pay:

$20-$25/hour, based on experience and credentials Make a Difference Every Day in the Lives of Pets and Their People. Care & Comfort Veterinary Hospital, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, is looking for an experienced Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant to join our team! If you're passionate about providing exceptional patient care, enjoy working alongside a collaborative veterinary team, and want a role where your skills truly make an impact, we'd love to meet you. In this role, you'll work closely with our veterinarians and support team to provide high-quality care to both hospitalized and outpatient patients. From assisting in appointments and performing diagnostics to anesthesia monitoring, dentistry, radiology, and nursing care, you'll have the opportunity to use your technical skills every day while supporting an excellent experience for our clients and their pets. Whether you're a credentialed Veterinary Technician or an experienced Veterinary Assistant, we're looking for someone who brings compassion, teamwork, attention to detail, and a genuine love for veterinary medicine . What You'll Do Patient Care & Client Support Partner with veterinarians to provide compassionate, efficient patient care Obtain patient histories, weights, vital signs, and other information needed for appointments Assist with patient restraint and handling Prepare and administer vaccines as directed Collect diagnostic samples and perform in-house testing Provide nursing care and treatments for hospitalized patients Assist with admissions and discharges for surgical, dental, hospitalized, and boarding patients Fill prescriptions according to veterinarian instructions Educate clients on medications, home-care instructions, and follow-up care Perform technician appointments and procedures within your training and scope, such as nail trims, suture removals, certain vaccine appointments, and long-term medication monitoring Laboratory & Diagnostics Collect, prepare, and process blood, urine, fecal, and other diagnostic samples Perform in-house testing, including CBCs, urinalysis, heartworm testing, FeLV/FIV testing, cytology, fecal/Giardia testing, pre-anesthetic testing, and senior screening Prepare specimens and required paperwork for outside laboratories Communicate diagnostic results to veterinarians Maintain laboratory equipment, quality-control records, and a clean, organized lab area Take and process radiographs Maintain appropriate radiology safety practices Surgery & Anesthesia Admit patients scheduled for surgical and dental procedures Prepare patients, instruments, surgical packs, and the surgical suite Assist with patient induction and intubation, as appropriate based on training and credentials Provide surgical preparation and positioning Closely monitor patients under anesthesia using appropriate monitoring equipment Assist veterinarians throughout surgical procedures Monitor patients during anesthetic recovery and promptly communicate changes in patient status Maintain accurate anesthesia and surgical records Clean, sterilize, and properly maintain surgical instruments and equipment Help ensure patients are comfortable and medically appropriate for discharge Dentistry Perform dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing using appropriate dental equipment and hand instruments Assist with dental radiographs Document dental findings and communicate concerns to the veterinarian Assist veterinarians with extractions and other oral procedures Support patient monitoring throughout dental procedures Capture before-and-after dental photographs when appropriate Medical Records & Communication Maintain clear, accurate, and timely medical records Document treatments, medications, progress notes, and patient observations Communicate important patient updates with veterinarians and fellow team members Ensure hospitalized-patient treatment records remain current and complete Utilize the hospital's veterinary practice-management software effectively Hospital & Team Support Everyone on our team plays a role in maintaining a safe, clean, welcoming hospital environment.

Responsibilities may include:

Keeping treatment areas, exam rooms, surgery, laboratory spaces, kennels, and patient-care areas clean and organized Cleaning and sanitizing patient cages, bedding, food and water bowls, and equipment Restocking treatment and exam-room supplies Assisting with inventory counts and communicating when supplies are running low Receiving and unpacking deliveries Properly disposing of medical waste and sharps Assisting our Client Service Representative team when needed Attending staff and department meetings Safety & Compliance Follow hospital health and safety protocols Follow applicable OSHA safety requirements Use appropriate precautions when working around medications, anesthetic agents, radiation, and other occupational hazards Maintain required safety documentation and follow established hospital protocols What We're Looking For Required High school diploma or equivalent Previous veterinary hospital, animal-care, or relevant clinical training/experience Ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians and fellow team members Strong communication and organizational skills Compassionate, professional approach to both pets and their families Ability to prioritize responsibilities in a busy veterinary environment Preferred Associate degree in Veterinary Technology or Applied Science Current CVT, LVT, RVT, or other applicable state veterinary technician credential Experience with anesthesia monitoring, dentistry, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, and hospitalized-patient care Experienced Veterinary Assistants are also encouraged to apply. Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to: Lift and carry patients and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds independently and heavier patients/equipment with assistance Sit, stand, bend, walk, and move throughout the hospital for extended periods Safely restrain and assist with animal patients Work in an environment that may include animal noise and veterinary equipment Accurately enter information into electronic patient medical records Follow appropriate safety precautions when working around medications, anesthetic agents, diagnostic equipment, and radiation Grow With Us We value team members who are excited to continue learning and developing their veterinary skills. You'll be encouraged to pursue continuing education, stay current with veterinary medicine and patient-care practices, and collaborate with other veterinary professionals. Compensation Compensation is $20-$25 per hour , depending on credentials and experience. The actual rate offered will consider factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Ready to Join Our Team? If you're looking for a veterinary career where you can put your skills to work, continue growing, and make a meaningful difference for pets and their families, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to join Care & Comfort Veterinary Hospital and Thrive Pet Healthcare!