Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital is locally operated as a proud member of the PetVet Care Centers Network.
Current Job Openings
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
- Local autonomy with national support
- Career mobility and development opportunities
- A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
- The Kennel Assistant supports and adds value to an efficient organization dedicated to quality care and exceptional service. This position supports veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment; feeding, exercising, restraining and handling pets.
Key Responsibilities
- Provides compassionate care to pets
- Feeds animals as prescribed by the attending Veterinarian or as the owner has requested; records appetites; water intake, as well as fecal and urine production
- Recognizes and reports any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors and monitors pets for signs of distress or disease.
- Assists Veterinarians and technicians with pet restraint
- Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day; cleans equipment and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensures the safe use of chemicals
- Follows a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards, and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls
- Completes the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain hospital cleanliness, equipment, and the overall appearance of the hospital
- Correctly prioritizes tasks
- Maintains laundry for the kennel and hospital
- Provides patients with fresh, clean bedding when appropriate
- Walks patients according to schedule
- Understands and carries out oral and written directions
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Remain professional and courteous to clients and co-workers while handling multiple tasks at once with many interruptions.
- Learn and understand our services and health recommendations and be able to clearly communicate these to clients.
- Be able to deal with difficult and/or aggressive patients in an effective manner meanwhile keeping yourself, the pet, and co-workers safe
- Performs other duties as assigned by Manager.
Qualifications (Required)
- High school diploma or GED
- May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience
- Ability to work with or around sick animals, potentially hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors
- Must be flexible with scheduling and able to work weekends, overnights and holidays
- This is a strenuous job that requires a lot of lifting, cleaning, and constant motion
- Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks may include standing for long period of times/walking
- May involve some stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
- Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting or carrying moderately heavy animals (up to 50 pounds)
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
- Some experience working at a kennel or animal hospital preferred
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday from 8AM-5PM or 8:30AM-5:30PM
- Every other Saturday from 8:45AM-4:30PM
At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
- Local autonomy with national support
- Career mobility and development opportunities
- A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
- The Registered Veterinary Technician supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to our patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.
Key Responsibilities
- Determine animal requirements by conducting examinations and interviews, reviewing care plans and records, completing laboratory tests and studies, and diagnostic imaging.
- Care for patients by taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines, and bandaging and wrapping wounds.
- Support patient examinations and operations by assembling required supplies and instruments, securing and bringing patients to examination rooms, and restraining patients; aids as directed by the veterinarian.
- Provide excellent pet care by applying full knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, specialized equipment usage, and specialized drug administration.
- Obtain and verify medications.
- Ensure that patients have food and water, clean patients' rooms, cages, and equipment; observe patients for clinical signs of disease.
- As directed, fill prescriptions and administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
- Maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and humane environment by sterilizing and wrapping instruments, sanitizing and disinfecting holding and operating areas, storing sterile supplies, verifying shelf life, following standards and procedures, and in compliance with applicable legal regulations.
- Maintain medical records by documenting patients’ conditions, reactions, and changes; update the database in an accurate and timely manner.
- Communicate with the pet owner about the status of the patient, as directed by the veterinarian.
- Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining equipment supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
- Maintain inventory, place orders for needed supplies, verify, and maintain receipts.
- Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional journals.
- Release pets to their owners as directed; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed before their release.
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Manager or practice.
Qualifications (Required)
- High school diploma or GED.
- One or more years of experience with veterinary appointments, surgeries, and nursing care for hospitalized and critical patients.
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
- Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred or as required by State.
- Care and Compassion: Displays a desire to build rapport, provide personal assistance, and emotional support.
- Team Orientation: Works cooperatively with the team to address tasks and accomplish goals.
- Dependability: Demonstrates responsibility in completing tasks and accomplishing goals.
- Initiative: Proactively looks for the opportunity to address and follow through on work activities.
- Flexibility and Multi-Tasking: Adapts quickly to changing demands and manages multiple priorities effectively.
- Communication: Uses effective and appropriate methods of interacting with others.
- Customer Services: Displays a desire to provide outstanding service and exceed customer expectations.
- Organization and Attention to Detail: Monitors and reviews information thoroughly and maintains an organized system for all documents.
- Adherence to Rules and Instructions: Consistently follows standard procedures.
Schedule:
- Available at 7:30AM Monday-Friday.
- Work schedule posted 6-8 weeks in advance.
What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
- 401(k) with discretionary contribution
- Team Member Pet Discounts
- Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
- CE stipends and career development resources
- Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
- Local hospital culture backed by national resources
At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.
At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.
Because life is better with pets.
We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.
With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:
- Local autonomy with national support
- Career mobility and development opportunities
- A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first
You care for pets. We care for you.
Position Overview
- The veterinary assistant provides support to the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide compassionate care to all patients
- Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room, taking the patient's weight and other vital signs upon arrival
- Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the licensed veterinary technicians (LVT's).
- Calm and soothe anxious patients
- Assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint
- Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
- Operate and maintain hospital equipment, including EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors, and machines, etc.
- Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
- Feed patients as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the client has requested; record appetites; recognize and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors
- Communicate in a positive manner with clients and ensure that they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s)
- Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans
- Maintain the cleanliness of the hospital each day; clean equipment, kennels, and facilities using chemicals and supplies; ensure the safe use of chemicals; complete laundry
- Bath and care for patients who stay overnight; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
- Adhere to the hospital's safety and wellness regulations
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions
- Maintain accurate medical records
- Show up for work regularly; full-time presence at work is essential for every shift
- Promote hospital products and services and support the organization
- Respond respectfully with urgency to directions given by Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT).
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the Manager; may have other assigned duties if working in a specialty area (i.e., dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.)
Qualifications (Required)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- One or more years' experience in a veterinary environment, successfully performing all of the duties of this position
- May consider an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
- With veterinary assisting experience.
- Care and Compassion – displays a desire to build rapport, provide personal assistance, and emotional support
- Animal Restraint and Safety – uses sound judgment when handling patients and always takes appropriate precautionary steps when needed
- Communication – uses effective and appropriate methods of interacting with others
- Team Orientation – works cooperatively with the team to address tasks and accomplish goals
- Dependability – demonstrates responsibility in completing all job tasks
- Cleanliness Standards – consistently follows sanitization and sterilization policies and procedures
- Energy and Productivity – completes tasks quickly and thoroughly without prompting
- Time Management – manages time and prioritizes work tasks effectively
- Technical Skills and Learning – keeps up-to-date with new technical skills and knowledge in the field
- Care and Use of Equipment – takes appropriate steps to perform operation checks and maintenance of equipment
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday from 8AM-5PM or 8:30AM-5:30PM
- Every other Saturday from 8:45AM-4:30PM
What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
- 401(k) with discretionary contribution
- Team Member Pet Discounts
- Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
- CE stipends and career development resources
- Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
- Local hospital culture backed by national resources
At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.
Why Consider Our Santa Cruz County Hospital?
At Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital, our team members all share the same passion for making and keeping animals healthy.
Our hospital truly is an excellent place to work, with a highly skilled team focused on 'best in practice' veterinary care.
We are very supportive of individuals looking to grow their veterinary careers and look forward to hearing from you.
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We invite you to explore your veterinary career options with Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital, where you'll be a respected member of a team that loves animals and values the contributions from every individual on the team.- Aptos-Creekside Pet Hospital Team