Ethos Veterinary Health

Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Surgery - Santa Barbara, CA - Full Time

Job Title: Veterinary Assistant – Surgery
Location: Advanced Veterinary Specialists

Compensation & Work Schedule:

  • Hourly rate: Up to $26.00/hr (based on skills, qualifications, and experience)
  • $500 Sign-On Bonus
  • Full-time, weekends and holiday flexibility required

Who We Are: Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS) is home to board-certified specialists in surgery, oncology, internal medicine, cardiology, and dentistry, alongside a highly skilled team of emergency veterinarians. We are proud to provide exceptional care to pets and their families.

AVS is accredited by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society as a Level II Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Facility—one of only two in California to hold this distinction.

About the Role: We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our surgery team. This position plays a vital role in supporting our veterinarians and technicians in providing excellent surgical care. If you are detail-oriented, team-focused, and passionate about animal health, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide compassionate care to patients before and after surgery.
  • Assist with patient restraint, comfort, and monitoring under the direction of an RVT or veterinarian.
  • Prepare surgical suites and recovery areas, ensuring cleanliness and readiness for procedures.
  • Assist with surgical prep, including shaving and scrubbing patients according to hospital protocols.
  • Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments using autoclaves and gas sterilizers.
  • Restock surgical and prep areas with necessary supplies and materials.
  • Maintain accurate and organized labeling, storage, and inventory of surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Support the surgery team by cleaning tables, equipment, and patient areas after each procedure.
  • Safely transport and position patients for surgery and recovery.
  • Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth workflow in the surgery department.
  • Provide exemplary customer service while maintaining professionalism and teamwork.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 1 year of clinical experience in a veterinary setting; surgery experience preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
  • Must maintain California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 60 days of hire.

Why Join AVS? Be part of a team that is committed to delivering the highest standard of veterinary care in a collaborative, professional, and compassionate environment.

  • Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, disability and life insurances, flex-spending accounts, 401(k), Employee Assistance Program, 3 weeks accrued paid time off, and uniforms
  • Highly competitive and comparable wages based on experience and skill set.
  • Competitive Vet Assistant and RVT CE allowance annually
  • VetBloom access: Race approved continuing education, training, and curriculum library
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement 


Have questions or want to learn more about this opportunity? Contact our dedicated recruiter at [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.

Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.  The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.  For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

Apply: Veterinary Assistant, Surgery
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