Skip to main content
Tallo logoTallo logo

Find Jobs

Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location

Skip to job details

Back to Results

Apply for this opportunity

To apply for this job, you'll continue to an external website or email application.

West Coast Animal Hospital

Experienced Veterinary Assistant/Technician

Career Insights for Veterinary Assistant

See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.

Scorecard

Based on California data

Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?

Were these scores useful?

What they do

A Veterinary Assistant assists with animals under veterinary care or in laboratories. Feeds animals, cleans cages, and administers medical treatment under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. Works in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or laboratory.

$42,405 / year median in California

+22% projected growth

Explore Career

Job Description

Experienced Veterinary Assistant/Technician West Coast Animal Hospital•3.4 San Diego, CA Job Details Full-time $21•$24 an hour 7 hours ago Benefits On-the-job training Qualifications Customer communication Serving clients High school diploma or GED Team training Mentoring Communication with pet owners Full Job Description
WHO IS WEST COAST ANIMAL HOSPITAL?
WCAH is an AAHA, privately owned, small animal practice of 11 DVMs across 2 locations. We are dedicated to employee growth, open communication, and employee satisfaction. Staff culture is a huge priority for us. We are looking for someone to join our hard working, hard laughing team while providing high quality care for our patients and our clients. We ask that all of our staff uphold our core values of progressive advancement, excellent patient/client service, exceptional communication, and collaborative teamwork. Interested in working for us? Check out our website at www.westcoast.vet or our IG @westcoastpet
JOB DESCRIPTION VETERINARY TECHNICIAN REPORTS TO
Practice Owner, Attending Veterinarian or Technician Manager The veterinary technician is the veterinarian's primary medical support. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnosis and treatment phases. They aid the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They have a deep understanding of veterinarian's preferences and thoroughly anticipate their needs. They have a very significant role in communicating with and education clients about their pets.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or equivalent Vocational school training desirable but not required Previous On-The-Job training/experience required
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 2 years experience as veterinary technician or assistant.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
Minimum of 18 years old. Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to work with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain. Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis. Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature. Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members including mentorship and training of other staff Has excellent client communication skills.
Physical Effort:
Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.
Working conditions:
May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases. The range for the position is $21 per hour to $24.00 per hour. Pay Scale by
Experience Developing Level:
$21.00•$22.00 per hour
Experienced:
$22.01•$23.00 per hour
Senior Level:
$23.01•$24.00 per hour Pay is determined based on job-related experience, skills, and qualifications in accordance with California law. Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage. Abide by WCAH core values and mission statement. Provide compassionate care to patients and clients. Dependable, arrives at shift in a timely manner and is committed to upholding the core values and mission of the hospital Ask for assistance from coworkers when needed to ensure efficiency of patient care Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks. Accurately maintain electronic medical records in accordance hospital policy. Prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas. Perform physical assessments, record observations legibly in files or computer. Can proficiently restrain pets even when large, difficult or fractious. Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients. Knows all common preventative medicines and can explain their use to clients. Has advanced knowledge of common medical conditions and their treatments. Understands usage, knows the dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients. Perform advanced medical math/dose calculations Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty. Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees and provides mentorship/training and oversight to assistants, technicians and veterinarians. Gives SQ, IM and IV injections (with or without IV port). Proficiently perform venous puncture and catheterization in the most difficult patients. Perform ultrasound guided cystocentesis and urinary catheterization for urine collection Can handle client's medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate. Can prepare complex estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies. Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions. Assist RVTs in medical, surgical and dental procedures. Able to recognize abnormal Pulse Ox, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Can recognize and respond to emergencies Perform ophthalmologic tests including tonometry, tear test, and fluorescein stain Can proficiently position for and perform image capture of radiographs for advanced/orthopedic studies and can administer and oversee sedation for this Can place IV catheters and properly care for them. Understands the use and care of IV pumps including troubleshooting them. Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients. Prepare a patient and the machine for an ultrasound procedure. Admit patients following hospital policy and doctors written orders. Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian's orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state. Properly documents patient treatments and client communications respectfully and professionally.