VCA Animal Hospitals·Carlsbad, California
Provide high-quality care for critically ill and injured animals by assisting with anesthesia, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. Manage patient assessments, administer prescribed treatments, and communicate care plans to pet owners.
VCA California Veterinary Specialist - Carlsbad is looking for an exceptional Veterinary Assistant for the Radiation Oncology Department Location: 2310 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008 Schedule: Full-time, 4 X 10's alternative work week Salary: $ 18 - $ 24 / hour Small hospital feels, with big company support Flexible Schedules Supportive, multi-faceted, educational training program We are focused on your career growth; we empower you with all the knowledge and skills you need to be successful Great coastal community location close to the beach, food options, fitness centers, and shopping We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Veterinary Assistant to become a key member of our fast-paced emergency and specialty team.
As a veterinary assistant, you will use your expertise to provide high-quality care and support for critically ill and injured animals, working closely with our veterinarians and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Key Responsibilities: Perform and assist with a range of advanced veterinary procedures, including anesthesia, surgery, and diagnostic imaging.
Monitor and manage critically ill and injured patients, providing support and care under the supervision of veterinarians.
Conduct comprehensive assessments, including obtaining patient histories, performing triage and TPR, and understanding diagnostic results.
Administer medications, treatments, and therapies as prescribed, and document all care provided.
Utilize and maintain medical equipment and instruments, ensuring adherence to sterilization and safety protocols.
Provide compassionate care and communicate effectively with pet owners, educating them on treatment plans, procedures, and at-home care.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to manage complex cases and prioritize patient needs in a high-stress environment.
Proven experience in emergency and specialty veterinary settings is preferred. Strong clinical skills with proficiency in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and critical or specialty care are preferred. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with team members and pet owners. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism and compassion. Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking abilities. Willingness to work flexible hours, potentially including nights, weekends, and holidays as required. 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. Apply Today! If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
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. A leader in veterinary care, VCA Animal Hospitals is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. We are a family of hometown animal hospitals determined to positively impact pets, people and our communities. From primary care to emergency, urgent and specialty care, VCA delivers world-class medicine and hometown care to more than four million pets each year. We invest in cutting-edge tools, training and technology that enable Associates across our national network of hospitals to lead the industry today and into tomorrow. Among our talented 35,000 Associates are nearly 7,000 veterinarians – including 500 who are board-certified specialists – nearly 4,000 credentialed technicians and over 10,000 veterinary assistants – all dedicated to giving pets the very best in medical care. The future of veterinary medicine is in our hands. Join us.
Preferred experience in emergency and specialty veterinary settings with strong clinical skills in anesthesia and surgical assistance. Candidates must be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and maintain professional compassion.
Market context
In California, dental assistant roles with orthodontic experience are often competitive because employers typically look for candidates who can step into patient flow, imaging, and chairside support with minimal onboarding. For this role, a valid RDA license and X-ray license are required, and orthodontic experience is essential. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit, then confirm your licensure and orthodontic background before applying.
