ER Veterinary Assistant

Emergency Veterinary Assistant – Advanced Veterinary Specialists (Santa Barbara, CA)

Who we are:
At Advanced Veterinary Specialists , our team includes board-certified specialists in surgery, oncology, internal medicine, cardiology, and dentistry, along with experienced emergency veterinarians. Together, we deliver exceptional, life-saving care to our patients and support to their families.

About the role:
We are seeking a full-time Emergency Veterinary Assistant to join our emergency and critical care team. This is a great opportunity for a compassionate, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to grow in emergency veterinary medicine.

Schedule:
We are hiring for the following shifts:

• Full-Time Overnights: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM | 3 x 12-hour shifts/week

• Full-Time Overnights: 8:00 PM – 8:00 AM

• Swing Shifts: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  Weekend availability is required.

Compensation:

• $22.00–$28.00/hour based on experience
• Additional $2.00/hour shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Key Responsibilities:
As a Veterinary Assistant in our ER department, your responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with triage and intake of emergency patients
• Helping stabilize patients under veterinary direction
• Setting up and assisting with diagnostic procedures
• Administering oral and SQ medications/fluids as directed
• Supporting wound care and post-procedure recovery
• Monitoring patients and alerting team to changes in condition
• Preparing and cleaning exam/treatment areas
• Accurately updating medical records and logs
• Supporting communication and education for pet owners
• Collaborating with veterinarians, RVTs, and fellow assistants
• Providing calm, compassionate care to patients and clients in crisis

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of veterinary clinical experience (ER preferred)
• Must obtain California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 60 days of hire (waived if you hold a valid CA RVT license)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a collaborative environment
• Comfort with basic math for dosing and treatment support

Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• 3 weeks of accrued paid time off
• Uniform allowance
• CE allowance (including Vet Assistant CE support)
• Free access to VetBloom (RACE-approved CE and training)
• Career advancement opportunities within the hospital and larger network

Join us at Advanced Veterinary Specialists in beautiful Santa Barbara and be part of a life saving team!

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.