As an RVT at VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists and Emergency, you play a critical role in delivering high-quality, compassionate patient care. Our technicians are key members of the medical team across departments including Outpatient, ICU, Surgery, and Emergency. You’ll work closely with our veterinarians and support staff to implement comprehensive treatment plans and ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Certification:
Must obtain a passing score on the VTNE
Must hold and maintain a valid RVT certification in the state of California
General Requirements:
Adhere to all company policies, including the Employee Handbook
Comply with Controlled Substance Policy and maintain accurate records
Maintain professional conduct at all times while on campus
Communicate respectfully with co-workers and clients
Complete required training plans in a timely manner
Follow all OSHA policies and be familiar with SDS binder locations
Maintain clean workspaces and restock supplies in treatment, pre-op, radiology, and ultrasound areas
Maintain accurate medical records, treatment sheets, and notes within the Practice Management Software (PMS)
Proficient in PMS functions including charting, estimates, invoicing, scheduling, and client communications
Assist with phone calls, client check-ins, and check-outs
Room and triage patients per hospital protocols
Provide client updates as directed by the attending veterinarian
Diagnostics:Collect blood (cephalic, saphenous, jugular), urine (ultrasound-guided cysto), and other samples with minimal patient stress
Limit of two venipuncture attempts per technician before escalating to another qualified team member
Perform in-house and reference lab diagnostics accurately and efficiently
Prepare and evaluate blood smears and send samples with proper labeling
Follow radiograph safety protocols; wear dosimeter and PPE at all times
Submit radiographs to Board-Certified Radiologists and ensure appropriate billing
Patient Care:Follow treatment plans exactly and communicate concerns promptly with veterinarians
Monitor for changes in patient condition and report immediately
Perform accurate medical calculations, including:
Weight conversions
Fluid and CRI rates
Drug dosages
IV catheter placement (limit two attempts), fluid setup, taping, and catheter maintenance
Administer medications via oral, SC, IM, and IV routes
Handle chemotherapy per hospital protocols
Assist with sedation and prepare for emergency situations
Triage accurately and intubate when necessary
Provide routine care: nail trims, ear cleaning, suture removal, anal gland expression
Perform and record technician appointments accurately
Apply bandages and splints under veterinary direction
Ensure all patients have clean bedding and safe housing
Use safe and effective patient restraint methods
Follow hospital protocols for isolation and contagious patients
Anesthesia & Surgery:Understand and apply anesthetic protocols, including drug knowledge and side effects
Assist in anesthetic planning with veterinarians
Confirm pre-anesthesia bloodwork and physical exam are completed
Monitor anesthetized patients accurately; record all data and act promptly if instability occurs
Perform dental cleanings and radiographs as directed
Maintain and troubleshoot anesthetic and surgical equipment
Assist with endoscopy and CT procedures; clean and maintain equipment accordingly
Help sterilize surgical instruments and packs using both steam and gas autoclaves
Leadership & Professionalism:Lead by example with professionalism, teamwork, and compassion
Mentor new team members and guide training as directed by management
Maintain clear and respectful communication at all times
Provide empathetic and professional client service
Escalate concerns to management appropriately
Physical Requirements:Must be able to lift at least 20 lbs
Ability to kneel, bend, squat, and stand for extended periods
Capable of restraining and handling animals of various sizes
Join Us!At VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists and Emergency, we foster a collaborative and supportive environment focused on excellent patient care and professional development. We are proud to offer:
$750 Continuing Education allowance annually
License reimbursement
VCA Animal Hospitals offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including Medical/Dental/Vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, pet care discounts, paid vacation, holidays and sick days, and health and well-being programs that provide resources and training. Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. The pay range for this position is $32-40/ hour (dependent on experience). The shift differential rate for overnight is four dollars an hour additional
Alternative work week (four 10 hour shifts) is offered.
VACSP is required and will be reimbursed by the hospital.
If you're passionate about emergency and critical care and ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to meet you!
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.