Veterinary Assistant - Emergency

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center is looking for an Emergency Veterinary Assistant to join our Team.

Location: 7675 Mission Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92108

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center is a 24-hour emergency and specialty referral hospital located in the heart of beautiful San Diego, California. As part of our continued growth and the recent opening of our brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in July 2025, we are seeking a dedicated and skilled Veterinary Assistant to join our Emergency team.

Our hospital supports a wide range of advanced diagnostics and treatments, and we pride ourselves on offering compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and clients. The successful candidate will work closely with our emergency department and support staff to manage complex cases and provide exceptional care.

Schedule: Full-time 4/10 hour shifts

Compensation: $ 20 - $ 25/hour

Schedule: Wednesday to Saturday, Swing

Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with outpatient appointments and inpatient care under the direction of the doctors and veterinary technicians

• Preparing and assisting with advanced diagnostic procedures

• Placing IV catheters, performing venipuncture, running in-house lab work, and administering medications

• Monitoring patients pre-, intra-, and post-procedure, including recovering patients from sedation or anesthesia

• Maintaining accurate medical records and detailed treatment logs

• Providing clear and compassionate communication with clients regarding patient care, discharge instructions, and follow-up

• Maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked work environment

• Collaborating effectively with doctors, technicians, and support staff across departments

Qualifications:

• VASPC and at least 1–2 years of experience in veterinary practice

• Previous experience in a specialty practice or Emergency Medicine preferred, but not required

• Strong communication skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

• Confidence in handling and restraining both dogs and cats, including patients with medical complexity

• A team-oriented attitude with a strong work ethic and attention to detail

• Flexibility to work full-time, with availability for weekday shifts and occasional holiday coverage

Join our collaborative and supportive team in an environment where growth, learning, and high-level patient care are top priorities.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts, and more!

Apply Today!

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Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com