Role Summary

Veterinary Assistants support the provision of medical care to patients treated at the SF SPCA animal hospitals. The Veterinary Assistant provides thorough and compassionate nursing care while performing medical treatments, handling, and assisting with procedures as directed by staff veterinarians.  

Core Responsibilities

• Depending on level of experience, roles range from sterile resources to anesthesia recovery to anesthesia prep and monitoring 
• Veterinary Assistants provide patient care by performing treatments as directed by veterinarian, monitor patients, and assist in procedures 
• Provide thorough, detailed and compassionate patient care while providing excellent client services for the patient’s caretaker 
• Knowledge of safe and gentle patient handling, anatomy and physiology, medical math, medical terminology, administering injections, performing phlebotomy, pharmacology and disease processes 
• Understanding of physiologic normals and abnormals 
• Follow veterinary care protocols for animals in the Community Medicine Department - including medical, behavior and general care protocols for the health and well-being of the animals; individually and as a herd 
• Comply with all laws pertaining to controlled substances 
• Understand standard veterinary terminology, procedures and animal health issues 
• Facilitate good working relationships through teamwork and collaboration to provide the best patient care 
• Maintain and create patient records by accurately recording treatments, examinations, and test results on computerized patient charts and other medical records 
• Participate in regular staff meetings 
• Admit and release animals from Community Medicine in a responsive, courteous, and tactful manner to both internal and external clients 
• Inform clients of any pertinent medical information regarding animal care – communicate release instructions 
• Practice and encourage the humane treatment of animals 
• Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff while actively promoting our mission, services, programs and events 
• Promote donation and giving opportunities as appropriate 

• Experience working as a veterinary assistant required  
• College coursework with an emphasis on animal-related science preferred 
• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the San Francisco SPCA 
• Experience with humane animal handling and restraint techniques of healthy, ill, and feral animals 
• Experience in caring for and handling animals in a safe, effective and humane manner, especially larger and possibly untrained pets 
• Comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place 
• Computer literate and able to master veterinary software as applicable to clinic operations 
• Knowledge of basic dog and cat physiology, anatomy, and behavior as it relates to understanding the general health of animals. 
• Ability to understand and communicate pertinent medical information with colleagues and clients 
• Self-motivated and able to initiate and complete tasks 

Salary & Benefits 

The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $28-$32 per hour.  

Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including 

• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay 
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance 
• Life Insurance 
• Long-term Disability Insurance 
• 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching 
• Student debt relief program 
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits 
• Lifestyle Spending Account 
• Mental health and wellbeing support with Talkspace 
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies 
• Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital and Clinic 

The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.