Veterinary Assistant

Type: Full-time, non-exempt (40 hours per week) Reports to: Veterinary Services Supervisor Compensation: $25-28/hour Benefits: Medical benefits are covered at 50%. Dental and vision are 100% employee-covered. Employees have access to a retirement plan. Annually, Vets in Vans provides 80 hours of accrued paid time off, accrued sick leave (1 hour for every 30 hours worked), and 11 holidays. Employees also receive discounts of 25% on veterinary services at Vets in Vans for their personal pets. Who We Are: At Vets in Vans (ViV), we are a dedicated non-profit veterinary mobile clinic providing comprehensive clinic services, including urgent care, preventative care, routine and non-routine surgical procedures, humane euthanasia and dentals to communities in the Bay Area. ViV aims to provide compassionate and quality veterinary care to underserved communities and their beloved pets. We offer a list of payment options and resources to reduce financial barriers to veterinary care. Our mission is to improve the health and well‑being of animals in providing access to high quality veterinary care. As a non-profit, our focus is on making veterinary services accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Position Summary The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and the clinical team in delivering safe, efficient, and compassionate care in a mobile clinic setting. This role is ideal for someone early in their veterinary career who is eager to learn, comfortable working hands‑on with animals, and adaptable to a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment. The Veterinary Assistant plays a key role in patient handling, clinic setup and breakdown, and day‑to‑day mobile clinic operations. The functions listed below represent the essential duties of this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Key Responsibilities Client Care & Communication Treat all clients and patients with professionalism, empathy, and respect Obtain and accurately record patient histories Recognize and respond to signs of illness, pain, or distress Communicate medical information and recommendations clearly, using accessible language Identify financial concerns and proactively initiate respectful conversations about payment support and spectrum‑of‑care options Work collaboratively with veterinarians and clients to develop treatment plans within budget Discuss preventive care including vaccines, parasite prevention, diet, and other products Patient Care & Clinical Support Triage urgent care cases by assessing patient status, obtaining brief histories, and alerting the veterinary team to critical findings Coordinate patient flow to ensure timely preparation and turnover Perform low‑stress handling and restraint techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety Administer medications, vaccines, and prescribed medical treatments according to veterinary orders Collect laboratory specimens including venipuncture for blood samples, cystocentesis for urine samples, and fecal or cytology samples Perform routine diagnostics such as CBC, chemistry panels, urinalysis, and point‑of‑care tests Assist with diagnostic procedures using radiography, ECG, and ultrasound equipment Set up and maintain surgical suites by preparing sterile instrument packs, monitoring equipment, and supplies Prepare patients for surgery, including pre‑operative assessments, IV catheter placement, surgical site clipping, and aseptic scrubbing Assist with anesthesia induction, intubation, and continuous anesthetic monitoring under veterinarian supervision Track and record patient vitals, anesthetic depth, and intraoperative changes accurately throughout surgical procedures Provide post‑operative monitoring and nursing care, including pain assessment, warming support, bandage care, and documentation during recovery Assist with post‑operative bandaging, suture removal, drain care, and wound monitoring Communicate surgical discharge instructions to clients clearly and professionally Clinic Operations & Logistics Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality Lead exam rooms and facilitate efficient patient flow Prepare for appointments by stocking supplies, drawing vaccines, and setting up equipment Assist with setup and breakdown of mobile pop‑up clinics Accurately enter medical records using clinic software (records, labs, radiographs, communication) Maintain controlled substance logs and complete monthly audits Manage inventory of medications, equipment, and supplies Clean and maintain exam rooms, treatment areas, lab, and surgery Ensure equipment (anesthetic machines, monitors, scopes) is clean, functional, and properly maintained Perform services allowed under the California Veterinary Practice Act and approved by leadership Qualifications Prior experience in a high‑volume veterinary clinic preferred Experience with surgery, anesthesia monitoring, or emergency care is a plus Strong clinical and animal‑handling skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability to stay calm, organized, and efficient under pressure Strong multitasking and time‑management abilities Proficiency with veterinary software and medical recordkeeping Compassionate, patient‑centered approach aligned with Vets in Vans’ values of equitable access to care. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, with the ability to travel to clinic locations in San Francisco and the East Bay (primarily Berkeley). Willingness and ability to travel and work non‑standard business hours, such as nights and weekends, on an as‑needed basis. Working Environment and Conditions Typical work hours are Mondays‑Fridays 8am-6pm and will require some evenings and weekends as needed. Work is performed in a veterinary clinic setting with exposure to seasonal outdoor conditions. Must be competent at handling dogs and cats daily. Will handle sick, injured, or deceased animals. Animal contact and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations. Animal waste contact, smells and visual exposure are prevalent. Frequent exposure to and/or handling of industrial cleaning supplies. Must be able to lift, push, and/or pull over 50 pounds on a regular basis. Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, lifting, and stooping. What We Offer A supportive and collaborative work environment. The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their owners. Flexible scheduling options to promote work‑life balance. At-Will Statement and Accommodations: Employment with Vets in Vans is at-will. Nothing in this job description constitutes a contract of employment, and duties or requirements may change at any time. Vets in Vans will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with federal and California law. Employment Classification: This is a non‑exempt position and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with California wage and hour laws. Vets In Vans is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our workforce and organizational culture. We believe that having staff, board, and volunteers with diverse personal and professional backgrounds and lived experiences enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates a positive environment where everyone in our community (including their pets) can thrive. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vets in Vans