Internal Medicine Veterinarian Assistant in San Luis Obispo, California at Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital is a privately owned, non-corporate specialty and emergency hospital built around collaboration, growth, and high-quality medicine.

We are seeking an Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistant who is excited to be part of a team-oriented environment, contribute to advanced patient care, and grow alongside a supportive group of technicians and specialists.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to build their technical skills, stay actively involved in patient care, and be part of a hospital where assistants are valued contributors—not just support staff.

• Non-corporate, veterinarian-led hospital — decisions are made by the people in the building
• Collaborative team structure — assistants, technicians, and doctors work closely together
• Growth-focused environment — we invest in training and skill development
• Hands-on experience — meaningful involvement in patient care and case flow
• Exposure to advanced medicine — internal medicine, oncology, surgery, and Emergency and ICU cases

• Assist with patient restraint and handling for exams and treatments
• Support internal medicine treatments and procedures under technician/doctor supervision
• Monitor patients for comfort and basic changes in status
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe patient care environment

• Assist with sample collection (blood, urine, etc.) as trained
• Prepare supplies and equipment for procedures and treatments
• Support IV catheter placement and treatment setup
• Assist in maintaining chemotherapy safety protocols and PPE compliance

• Help facilitate a positive client experience through clear, kind communication
• Reinforce discharge instructions and general care guidance as directed
• Support the team in maintaining a calm and compassionate environment

• Assist with stocking, cleaning, and maintaining treatment areas
• Help coordinate patient flow and appointment readiness
• Work closely with technicians and doctors to support daily workflow
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, team-first culture

We are building a hospital where every team member—assistants included—has a meaningful role in patient care.

If you’re looking for a place where you can learn, grow, and be part of a genuinely collaborative team, this is a great opportunity to develop your career in veterinary medicine.

• Prior veterinary assistant experience preferred (especially in specialty or ER)
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills

At Cerro Alto, this role is a starting point for growth, not a static position.

• Hands-on training with experienced technicians and specialists
• Opportunities to build technical skills over time
• Exposure to the specialty of internal medicine
• Clear pathway for increased responsibility and career advancement

• Fast-paced specialty and emergency hospital
• Physically active role (standing, lifting, patient handling)
• Supportive, team-driven culture with high standards of care

This is a full-time role. Internal Medicine does not schedule appointments on weekends; however, we do use our specialty veterinary assistants to help care for the specialty services in patients on the weekend. So Saturday and Sunday daytime shifts are possible. The hours are 7:00am-6:00pm. We work 10 hour shifts and full time requires committing to 3-4 shifts per week.