Critical Care Veterinary Assistant

Job overview

The Critical Care Veterinary Assistant role is onsite in Santa Cruz, CA, and pays $22.50–$26 per hour. The position supports veterinarians and technicians at Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists, whose team focuses on collaborative specialty patient care and client support. The assistant contributes to ICU and CCU patient care by supporting clinical procedures, patient handling, treatment-plan communication, and hospital operations. The role also helps owners understand care recommendations and next steps while maintaining accurate records and a clean, safe environment.

What you'll do

• Provide compassionate patient care
• greet patients and owners and record weights and vital signs
• triage and perform exams, treatments, and medication administration as directed by licensed veterinary technicians
• assist with restraint and procedures
• perform laboratory tests and radiographs
• operate and maintain hospital equipment
• fill prescriptions and document controlled drugs
• feed and monitor patients
• communicate with clients
• maintain records, cleanliness, and safety
• support discharge discussions and client education.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

critical care veterinary assistant

santa cruz ca

petvet care centers

pacific & santa cruz veterinary specialists

icu

ccu

veterinary patient care

client communication

$22.50–$26/hr

weekend shift required

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, 401(k) with discretionary contribution, team member pet discounts, emotional wellbeing support and 24/7 EAP, CE stipends, career development resources, and hardship relief fund.

Why this role

Client communication is a significant part of the role; schedule starts between 7 AM and 10 AM, with one weekend shift weekly and some holidays required.

About the employer

PetVet Care Centers is hiring for this role. Industry: Veterinary Services. Sector: 54.