Wards (Kennel) Assistant - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

Job Description

Job Description

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is looking for caring, hardworking, and dependable individuals to join our Wards Team at Santa Cruz County's only 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Hospital.

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.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide , we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Our Wards Assistants play a critical role in the care and comfort of hospitalized patients. From ensuring clean and comfortable kennels to assisting with patient walks, feeding, and daily care, the Wards team helps create a safe and healing environment for pets during their stay with us.

This position is perfect for someone who loves animals, enjoys staying active, and wants to be part of a team dedicated to providing exceptional patient care.

What You'll Do:

• Provide compassionate care and comfort to hospitalized patients
• Walk, feed, and monitor pets throughout their stay
• Maintain clean kennels, treatment areas, and hospital spaces
• Assist technicians and doctors with patient handling and support
• Stock supplies and help keep the hospital organized and running smoothly
• Support the medical team in delivering outstanding patient care

At Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital in Santa Cruz, California, we provide Gold Standard Care not just to our patients, but to our staff as well. We take pride in maintaining a strong culture where we work together to ensure continued growth and support in every role within the hospital. We are also located just down the street from the beach, so lunch breaks can be enjoyed with a refreshing ocean view! 

Why Join Us:

• Work at Santa Cruz County's only 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Hospital
• Be part of a team that saves lives and supports pets through recovery
• Gain hands-on experience in veterinary medicine
• Work alongside specialists, emergency doctors, technicians, and assistants
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within the hospital
• Join a collaborative team that values compassion, accountability, and teamwork

At PSCVS, every role matters. Our Wards team is essential to the health, comfort, and recovery of our patients. If you are passionate about animal care and want to make a difference every day, we would love to meet you.

Join our team and help provide exceptional care to the pets and families of our community—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides compassionate care to pets
• Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested; records appetites; water intake, as well as fecal and urine production
• Recognizes and reports any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors and monitors pets for signs of distress or disease.
• Assists Veterinarians and technicians with pet restraint
• Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day; cleans equipment and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensures the safe use of chemicals
• Follows a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards, and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls
• Completes the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain hospital cleanliness, equipment, and the overall appearance of the hospital
• Correctly prioritizes tasks
• Maintains laundry for the kennel and hospital
• Provides patients with fresh, clean bedding when appropriate
• Walks patients according to schedule
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Remain professional and courteous to clients and co-workers while handling multiple tasks at once with many interruptions.
• Learn and understand our services and health recommendations and be able to clearly communicate these to clients.
• Be able to deal with difficult and/or aggressive patients in an effective manner meanwhile keeping yourself, the pet, and co-workers safe
• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.

Qualifications (Required)

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
• Previous work experience in a veterinary setting

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Some animal handling experience

Schedule

• Monday through Thursday from 7AM-3:30PM and Sunday in ER starting between 7AM-2PM
• Must be able to work one weekend day a week and some holidays

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$16.90—$16.90 USD

At 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 400 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. EOE, M/F/D/V

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