Veterinary Surgery Appointment Assistant/VA

Ethos Veterinary Health•San Diego, CA

3d•$24 - $35

About The Position

Veterinary Specialty Hospital (VSH) is hiring a full-time Surgery Appointment Assistant/VA to support its Surgery team. The primary focus is receiving scheduled appointments and supporting patient intake and flow into the Surgery department. The role works closely with surgeons, technicians, assistants, the Client Care team, and clients to help patients arrive and move through appointments efficiently and to ensure the Surgery team has the information needed to begin each appointment. This is intended to be a long-term role focused on appointment intake and patient flow within the Surgery service. Candidates should be prepared to remain in the role for at least one year before being considered for transfer into more advanced technical or specialty-specific positions. The employer seeks team members interested in developing expertise in client communication, patient intake, and surgical appointment coordination. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with a schedule of either five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts. The employee must work at least two of the eight recognized holidays in patient care or with the Client Care team. The stated VA compensation range is $24–$35 per hour, negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials.

Requirements

Strong client service skills and the ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with pet owners.
Comfort obtaining patient histories, vitals, and basic veterinary intake information.
Ability to manage multiple scheduled appointments and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to anticipate the Surgery team's needs and proactively keep appointments moving.
Strong attention to detail, especially with medical records, patient identification, documentation, and client communication.
Ability to work collaboratively with doctors, technicians, assistants, and Client Care team members.
Positive, professional, and calm demeanor; compassionate, empathetic, dependable, and detail-oriented communication.
Ability to provide basic veterinary assistant skills as needed.
Prepared to remain in the role for a minimum of one year before being considered for transfer into more advanced technical or specialty-specific positions.
Availability to work Monday through Friday, either five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts, and at least two of the eight recognized holidays in patient care or with the Client Care team.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of experience working in a veterinary hospital setting is preferred.
Specialty or surgical experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Receive and check in scheduled Surgery appointments and patients.
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients during appointment intake.
Obtain patient histories and confirm the reason for scheduled visits.
Obtain and document patient vitals and other basic intake information.
Confirm that medical records, imaging, laboratory results, and referral information are available to the Surgery team.
Coordinate patient flow between the lobby, exam rooms, treatment areas, and Surgery department.
Help prepare patients and exam rooms for consultations, rechecks, and surgical appointments.
Review and confirm client contact information and other required documentation.
Present estimates, treatment plans, and client paperwork as directed by the Surgery team.
Communicate anticipated wait times, appointment flow, and next steps to clients.
Support medication preparation and client education as needed.
Provide basic veterinary assistant support as appointment intake responsibilities allow, including assisting with X-rays, monitoring sedation, and holding patients for blood draws.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in patient medical records.
Help create an organized, compassionate, and efficient experience for clients and patients.

Benefits

Educational program and scholarship partnerships.
Annual continuing education allowance for VAs and RVTs.
VetBloom access, including race-approved continuing education, training, and curriculum library.
License application and renewal reimbursement for RVTs.
Financial support and onsite mentorship toward pursuit of VTS.
Health and wellness programs, including access to the League wellness app.
Opportunities for growth and advancement.
75% employee pet discount.
Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; flexible spending accounts; 401(k); Employee Assistance Program; three weeks of accrued paid time off; and uniforms.
Benefits are available on the first of the month following 30 days.
Ethos Veterinary Health describes its comprehensive benefits program as including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off, including sick time, for eligible employees.