Veterinary Assistant - Urgent Care
About the role
VCA Animal Hospitals Urgent Care - Sugar House in Salt Lake City, UT is seeking experienced Veterinary Assistants to join a fast-paced, collaborative, team-oriented urgent care environment. The role focuses on high-quality nursing care with an emphasis on low-stress handling, hands-free radiology, and a well-organized treatment space. The technical team works in pairs, utilizing digital tools for clear communication and efficiency, with the technician and assistant team dedicated solely to patient care (no phones, estimates, or checkout duties).
What You’ll Do
- Follow digital treatment plans prescribed by DVM
- Obtain quality lab samples via venipuncture, cystocentesis, fecal collection, etc.
- Place intravenous catheters in feline and canine patients
- Perform in-hospital laboratory diagnostics including urinalysis, cytologies, etc.
- Process lab samples utilizing in-hospital laboratory equipment
- Use low-stress patient-handling techniques
- Perform diagnostic radiographs (hands-free as allowed)
- Administer injections (intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular), medications, and nursing care as directed by a veterinarian
- Monitor patients under general anesthesia and sedation utilizing multi-parameter assessment equipment
- Maintain accurate, complete digital medical records
- Fill prescriptions (as allowed by law)
- Maintain a clean work environment including following any infectious disease protocols, handling medical/biomedical, and infectious waste appropriately
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of veterinary experience in a general practice or emergency setting
- Ability to operate with a sense of urgency and high pace
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Willingness to jump in as needed
- Able to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Comfortable asking for help and clarification when needed
- Possess high attention to detail
Schedule
4x10's (9:30am - 8:30pm). Full-time positions available. The hospital is open 7 days a week, 10 am - 8 pm. Weekends required.
Compensation
The pay range for this position is $21.00-$23.00 / hour. Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. Location: 729 E. 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106.
Benefits
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holiday pay
- Free mental health sessions (Lyra) and wellness subscriptions (Head Space)
- Referral bonuses
- Medical, dental & vision insurance for you and your family
- Health saving account, and Flexible spending account
- Generous pet care discounts plus discounts on Mars, Royal Canin, and more
- Life, short, and long-term disability insurance (company-paid)
- Paid parental leave for new parents
- 401(k) (company match)
- Opportunities for growth and leadership roles at VCA and Mars Veterinary Health
- Dedicated onboarding and development support
- Associate-led equity, inclusion, and diversity groups
- Free Continuing Education through our online WoofU