Veterinary Assistant Daytime Emergency & Intermediate Care Ward (ICW)
Location: VCA Mueller Pet Medical Center Sacramento, CA Schedule: Full-Time, Day Shift (Weekend Availability Required) Compensation: $22 - $25/hr
About Us VCA Mueller Pet Medical Center is a well-established, AAHA-accredited hybrid hospital offering both General Practice and 24-hour Emergency and Critical Care. Our hospital provides a unique opportunity to practice alongside experienced hybrid veterinarians who deliver exceptional emergency medicine while maintaining continuity of care for their general practice patients. Our Daytime Emergency service operates with two Emergency DVMs, allowing us to provide high-volume emergency care while maintaining exceptional patient care and client communication.
We are seeking a motivated, adaptable Veterinary Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working as part of a collaborative emergency team.
About the Role
As a Veterinary Assistant in our Daytime Emergency & Intermediate Care Ward (ICW), you will play a critical role in supporting our emergency doctors and credentialed technicians in the assessment, treatment, and ongoing care of emergency patients. This position combines the excitement of emergency medicine with the continuity of caring for hospitalized patients, requiring strong technical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to prioritize in a rapidly changing environment. In addition to supporting our busy daytime ER service, you will be cross-trained in our Intermediate Care Ward (ICW), providing compassionate nursing care to hospitalized patients and ensuring continuity of care throughout their stay.
- Assist Emergency DVMs and credentialed technicians with high-volume emergency patient care.
- Support patient triage, diagnostics, treatments, and emergency procedures.
- Prepare patients for surgery and assist with surgical procedures as needed.
- Perform laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, patient restraint, and treatment support.
- Monitor hospitalized patients and assist with treatments, nursing care, and patient comfort in the Intermediate Care Ward.
- Maintain accurate and thorough medical records.
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients throughout the patient's visit.
- Prepare and maintain treatment areas to ensure efficiency during busy emergency caseloads.
- Work collaboratively with the Emergency, ICU, and ICW teams to provide seamless patient care.
What We're Looking For
- Previous veterinary assistant experience required; emergency experience preferred.
- Surgical experience is strongly preferred.
- Ability to remain calm, organized, and efficient in a fast-paced, high-volume emergency environment.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset.
- Willingness to cross-train and provide nursing support for hospitalized patients in the Intermediate Care Ward.
- Passion for emergency medicine and continued professional development.
- Weekend availability is required.
Why Join Us? At VCA Mueller Pet Medical Center, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside an experienced emergency team while continuing to grow your technical skills through mentorship and cross-training. We are committed to developing our team members and providing opportunities for advancement throughout our hospital, including Emergency, ICU, and specialty patient care. Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay, medical/dental/vision (FT only), 401(k), paid vacation, generous pet care discounts, continuing education opportunities, and pathways for career growth and leadership.