Overnight ICU Veterinary Assistant - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Overnight ICU Veterinary Assistant to join our team at Santa Cruz County's only 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Hospital!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Our ICU team cares for some of the hospital's most critical patients—those recovering from surgery, receiving life-saving treatments, or requiring around-the-clock monitoring and nursing care. As an Overnight ICU Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our technicians and doctors while helping provide exceptional care to hospitalized pets throughout the night.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys hands-on patient care, and wants to be part of a team that makes a meaningful impact every shift.

What You'll Do:

• Assist with patient care and comfort for hospitalized pets
• Support technicians and doctors with treatments and procedures
• Monitor patient status and report concerns promptly
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked treatment area
• Help ensure our patients receive attentive care throughout the night

At Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital in Santa Cruz, California, we provide Gold Standard Care not just to our patients, but to our staff as well. We take pride in maintaining a strong culture where we work together to ensure continued growth and support in every role within the hospital. We are also located just down the street from the beach, so lunch breaks can be enjoyed with a refreshing ocean view! 

Why Join Us:

• Work at Santa Cruz County's only 24/7 Emergency and Specialty Veterinary Hospital
• Learn alongside board-certified specialists, emergency doctors, and highly skilled veterinary technicians
• Gain valuable experience in emergency and critical care medicine
• Be part of a collaborative team that values compassion, learning, and excellence
• Make a difference in the lives of pets and the families who love them

If you are dependable, motivated, and passionate about animal care, we'd love to hear from you. Join a team where your work matters and every shift has the opportunity to save lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients
• Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).
• Calm and soothe anxious patients
• Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
• Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
• Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
• Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
• Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
• Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)

Qualifications (Required)

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position
• Previous veterinary experience is a must
• TPR
• History
• Animal Husbandry
• Comfortable with math

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• ER Experience
• Instince
• Cornerstone
• Venipuncture

Schedule

• Thursday through Saturday, 8:30PM-7AM. We can add a 4th shift that would be a late swing shift.
• Must be able to work a weekend shift every week and some holidays.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources