Full-Time | San Jose, CA
Join Our Team at Willow Glen Pet Hospital!
We are urgently hiring an enthusiastic, skilled, and compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our fast-paced, community-focused general practice. We are looking for someone who is knowledgeable, energetic, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting both pets and their people.
Minimum 2 years of veterinary assistant or animal care experience, along with availability to work at least two Saturdays per month, are required.
Our hospital features four dedicated doctors, a cohesive team, and a strong culture of communication, teamwork, and exceptional client service. We’ve proudly served the Willow Glen community for over 10 years—and we’re excited to welcome someone who values high-quality care and positive client relationships.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING WITH US:
- Collaborative, supportive, and friendly team
- Strong emphasis on communication, training, and professional growth
- Hands-on patient care with opportunities to build and expand skills
- Meaningful client relationships in a long-established practice
- Comprehensive benefits package (listed below)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical Duties & Patient Care
- Safely restrain animals for exams, procedures, diagnostics, and treatments
- Prepare patients for surgery (blood draws, IV catheter placement, shaving surgical sites)
- Assist veterinarians during procedures and surgical operations
- Monitor post-operative patients and notify veterinarians of any concerns
- Perform hygiene care (bathing, nail trims, ear cleaning)
- Provide emergency first aid as directed
- Assist with dental cleanings, polishing, and dental radiographs
- Perform radiographs and other diagnostic tasks
- Support patient comfort, feeding, exercise, and daily care
- Participate in ongoing training to build and refine clinical skills
Veterinarian Support
- Administer medications and vaccines as prescribed
- Prepare medications, refills, and prescriptions
- Assist with physical exams and treatment procedures
- Safely restrain patients and ensure proper handling
- Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments during procedures
- Collect and label lab samples (blood, urine, feces)
- Process in-house lab work and diagnostic tests, including X-rays
Facility & Equipment Care
- Maintain clean and organized exam rooms, treatment areas, kennels, and surgical spaces
- Clean, sterilize, and maintain instruments and equipment
- Assist with inventory management and restocking supplies
- Follow all sanitation and disease control protocols
Administrative Support
- Maintain accurate and thorough patient records
- Document conversations and treatment updates in the medical record
- Ensure client forms and waivers are completed correctly
- Perform front desk/CSR duties when needed (scheduling, invoicing, check-in/out, payment processing)
Client Interaction
- Greet clients warmly and create a welcoming environment
- Provide updates on patient status, treatment plans, and aftercare instructions
- Educate clients on preventive care, nutrition, behavior, and wellness concepts
- Handle concerns with empathy and professionalism
- Involve management to prevent escalation when appropriate
- Direct all medical questions to a veterinarian unless otherwise instructed
Other Duties
- Follow all hospital policies and safety protocols
- Perform additional tasks as assigned
- Understand that job responsibilities may shift as clinic needs evolve
REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Genuine compassion for animals and ability to work with stressed, sick, or anxious pets
- Strong multitasking and time-management abilities
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Calm, professional demeanor—especially during emergencies or high-stress situations
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
- Understanding of core vs. elective vaccines and basic veterinary care concepts
- Proficiency with computers and veterinary software (Microsoft Office, Idexx Neo, IDEXX Lab Station, and/or DaySmart Vet)
- Positive, team-oriented attitude with maturity and reliability
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma, GED, associate degree, or post-secondary certificate in a relevant field
- Minimum 2 years of veterinary assisting or animal care experience required; clinic or hospital experience strongly preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs and assist with handling larger animals as needed
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, kneel, and crouch for extended periods throughout the workday
- Physical stamina to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment
- Ability to safely restrain animals of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments, including those that may be stressed, fearful, or reactive
- Adequate hand dexterity and coordination to perform clinical tasks such as blood draws, catheter placement, medication administration, and laboratory procedures
- Ability to respond quickly during urgent or emergency situations
- Clear verbal communication and adequate hearing to interact effectively with clients, veterinarians, and team members in a busy clinic
- Comfort working in environments with pet dander, fur, bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, and occasional loud noises
BENEFITS:
- 401(k) with 3% employer match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Sick Time & Paid Holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee-discounts for pet care
- Annual uniform stipend
- Benefits available to full-time and part-time staff (waiting period may apply). Part-time benefits may be prorated.
HOSPITAL HOURS:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
If you’re a motivated, compassionate individual looking to grow your career in veterinary medicine, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Willow Glen Pet Hospital family!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to reliably commute to work in under 45 minutes each way?
- Please list tech skills you are proficient in.
- The pay range for this position is $22.00 to $28.00 per hour, depending on experience. What is your desired pay rate or range, and is it negotiable?
- This is a full-time position. The hospital operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Are you available to work within these operating hours? If not, please describe any limitations regarding the days or times you are available to work.
- Our Veterinary Assistants and Technicians typically work four 10-hour shifts per week, including a 30-minute unpaid meal period, with rotating Saturday shifts. Are you able to work this schedule? If not, please describe any scheduling limitations, including how many Saturdays per month you are able to work.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- active veterinary assistant/tech: 3 years (Required)
- Veterinary clinic or hospital environment: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- San Jose, CA 95125: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
