Veterinary Assistant (Va) - Emergency Department

Position Overview:We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our team at VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center. These positions are for Swing and Overnight Shifts for our Emergency Department team. The ideal candidates will have a strong passion for animal care, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. As a vital member of our team, the Veterinary Assistant will provide essential support to our veterinarians and technicians, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and client service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in all aspects of patient care, including triage, treatment, and monitoring of emergency cases.

• Perform basic veterinary procedures under the supervision of licensed veterinary staff, such as venipuncture, catheter placement, and bandaging.

• Prepare and maintain equipment, instruments, and supplies for procedures and surgeries.

• Assist with diagnostic procedures, including radiography, ultrasound, and laboratory testing.

• Provide compassionate care and comfort to patients, including feeding, walking, and grooming as needed.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the treatment area and hospital facilities.

• Communicate effectively with clients, providing updates on patient status and conveying discharge instructions.

• Assist with administrative tasks, including record-keeping, data entry, and appointment scheduling.

• Collaborate with other members of the veterinary team to ensure efficient workflow and optimal patient outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a veterinary hospital or animal care setting is preferred but not required.

• High school diploma or equivalent education required; completion of a Veterinary Assistant program or coursework in animal science is a plus.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with clients and team members.

• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care, with a genuine love for animals.

• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support our 24/7 emergency service.

VCA Animal Hospitals offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including Medical/Dental/Vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, pet care discounts, paid vacation, holidays and sick days, health and well-being programs that provide resources and training. Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. The pay range for this position is $17 to $28/ hour.

If you are a skilled in critical care with a commitment to excellence and a passion for animal care, we encourage you to apply for this position. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience. We look forward to hearing from you and potentially welcoming you to our team.

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

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