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Veterinary Surgical Assistant Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician ...

Veterinary Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician ...

Veterinary Technician / RVT / Experienced Veterinary Assistant (Full-Time or Part-Time) Occidental ... Prepare patients for surgery and assist during procedures * Calculate medication dosages and fluid ...

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Associate Veterinarian

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... experienced veterinary team at the nearby main clinic, including a respected surgeon. An ... Many of the technicians and assistants have been with the organization for years, creating a stable ...

Posted today

Veterinarian - Petaluma, CA

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Dedicated surgical and dental suite * Paper-light practice using Cornerstone software Schedule ... Petaluma Veterinary Hospital would love to meet you. Compensation & Benefits We believe in ...

Veterinarian - Petaluma, CA

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Dedicated surgical and dental suite * Paper-light practice using Cornerstone software Schedule ... Veterinary Hospital would love to meet you. What's in it for you: Compensation & Benefits We ...

Understand and follow state guidelines regarding duties of veterinary assistants and licensed ... Surgical skills - Proven ability to perform all basic surgeries, including use of all standard ...

Understand and follow state guidelines regarding duties of veterinary assistants and licensed ... Surgical skills - Proven ability to perform all basic surgeries, including use of all standard ...

Petaluma Veterinary Hospital | Petaluma, CA (North Bay Area) Full-Time | Part-Time | Relief ... Dedicated surgical and dental suite * Paper-light practice using Cornerstone software Schedule ...

Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician ...

Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician ...

Veterinary Surgical Assistant information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$11

$18

$26

How much do veterinary surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary surgical assistant in Santa Rosa, CA is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary surgical assistant?

Veterinary surgical assistants are trained professionals who support veterinarians during surgical procedures. Their duties include preparing the operating area, sterilizing equipment, monitoring animals under anesthesia, and assisting with pre- and post-operative care. They work closely with the veterinary team to ensure surgeries are performed safely and efficiently, and they also help maintain records and provide compassionate care to animal patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary surgical assistant?

To thrive as a Veterinary Surgical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal anatomy, surgical procedures, and sterile techniques, often supported by a veterinary technology certificate or diploma. Familiarity with anesthesia machines, surgical instruments, and veterinary practice management software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure the safety of animals during surgery, support efficient surgical teams, and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by veterinary surgical assistants during surgical procedures?

Veterinary Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterility in the operating room, managing anxious or reactive animals, and responding quickly to the changing needs of the surgical team. They must be attentive and proactive, ensuring all instruments and supplies are available and functioning, while also keeping detailed records. Adapting to different veterinarians' preferences and handling emergencies calmly are key aspects that can make the role demanding but rewarding.

Where do veterinary surgical assistants make the most money?

Veterinary surgical assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized veterinary services. States or areas with a strong presence of veterinary teaching hospitals or specialty clinics often offer higher wages due to increased complexity of procedures and required skills. Certification and experience can also influence earning potential regardless of location.

What job categories do people searching Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Veterinary Surgical Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Surgical Assistant job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,206 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Petco

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 642 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 740 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
Position Purpose:
The purpose of this position inherently involves providing excellent medical care to our Vetco Total Care full-service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary Assistants set the tone for the technical and customer support in the hospital, and are responsible, like all team members, for fostering cohesion and motivation within the practice.
All hospital staff are responsible for performing their duties in a way that creates an environment in which:
  • The patient's needs always come first.
  • Every team member understands that they have the power to do what it takes to create an exceptional customer experience.
  • contentious issues are dealt with and resolved as they occur when possible, or as soon as is possible.
  • exceptional teamwork and commitment to shared goals benefits the entire organization.

Essential Job Functions
The incumbent must be able to perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments and escort them into an exam room, obtain weight and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations) and record the electronic medical record. Veterinary Assistants will collect thorough patient histories and document the patient visit in the EMRs.
  • Assist doctors with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia, under supervision from the veterinarian credentialed veterinary technician, , HOM and HLOD.
  • Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian and help maintain the electronic medical record.
  • Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results to doctor and clients, and maintain and update client/patient records.
  • Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, assistants will maintain patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, help monitor patients during recovery and prepare them for hospital discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility.
  • Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients including giving injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous fluid therapy; keep patients clean, watered, and fed (when indicated and directed by doctor), safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.
  • Under direction of the HOM/HLOD, assist in the training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required.
  • Keep hospital environment neat and clean; perform regular cleaning of environment based on necessity as well as based on a pre-determined maintenance schedule.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform additional duties as assigned
  • Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed

Nature of Supervision
In all activities related to the care of individual patients, the incumbent will take direct supervision from the veterinarians as well as the Veterinary Technician. For purposes of overall supervision, the incumbent takes direction from the HOM/HLOD or from the supervising technician for the shift.
Planning and Problem Solving
Like all team members, the Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring that day-to-day operation of the hospital is efficient and provides an optimal experience for our patients and clients.
Impact
This position will impact the organization by contributing to the growth of productive practice while focusing on a high-quality standard of care. From an overall hospital organizational standpoint, this position in critical to ensuring that we have a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated technical team. The desired end-result is the creation of an optimal environment that ensures employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no immediate supervisory duties.
Education/Experience
  • Preferred to have at least 1-year previous experience working in veterinary practice or sufficient relatable animal care experience to ensure excellent performance at the above-listed skills
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be compassionate and sympathetic, and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations
  • Must have telephone and computer skills
  • Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change

Work Environment:
The majority of job duties are conducted in the Veterinary Hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.
Contacts
This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.
$18.50 - $29.50
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
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