Veterinary Assistant

VCA Sacramento Veterinary Referral Center is a 24-hour emergency/critical care and referral hospital. Our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) manages patients who require advanced medical attention, hospitalization, and round‑clock monitoring. We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant who thrives in dynamic, high‑acuity environments and is eager to provide hands‑on, life‑saving care.

As a full‑time V A or RVT in our ICU Department, you will support our doctors and credentialed technicians in delivering advanced patient care. You will work alongside our two board‑certified critical care doctors and their team to take on advanced and unique cases. This role is best suited for individuals with strong Critical Care foundational skills who are ready to expand their skills and knowledge.

You will help stabilize incoming emergencies, monitor hospitalized patients, and support intensive treatment plans while maintaining compassionate communication with clients.

• Assist with advanced diagnostics (bloodwork, radiology, ultrasound prep, etc.)
• Perform advanced patient monitoring
• Complete hourly treatments that include calculating and administering medications, documenting treatments, and general patient care
• Prepare and maintain treatment areas, ensuring efficiency during emergencies
• Support doctors and technicians with advanced procedures and critical nursing care
• Communicate with clients regarding hospitalized patients and treatment updates

• Prior veterinary assistant experience strongly preferred, particularly in the ICU or critical care areas
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high‑pressure situations
• Team‑oriented, detail‑driven, and adaptable
• Interest in critical care and continued skill development
• Weekend availability is required
• Full time (40 hours / week, 5 days / week)
• 6 am start time

We are passionate about supporting our associates and are committed to your continuing education and personal career development. At VCA we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity, and strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work. We support a work environment where you can focus on your career, your happiness, and the patients you serve.

Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. The pay range for this position is $20‑$24 / hour with a $4 / hr shift differential for working on a weekend day.

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

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.