Overnight Wards; Kennel Assistant

Pet Vet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking Overnight Wards (Kennel Assistant) to join their team.

At Pet Vet 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

Under the direction of lead technicians/lead assistants, provide constant cleanliness of cages, runs, and all areas of the hospital. Ensure proper feeding and patient care of all hospitalized animals assigned. Assist in all departments.

• Ensure patients are in clean kennels with clean bedding. Provide food and water when appropriate; give extra walks if needed.
• Clean and sanitize all cages and runs. Check potty yard and walkways for feces/urine; clean as necessary.
• Recognize and inform the team of any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of patients.
• Keep breakrooms clean and neat.
• Receive animals to be admitted and ensure proper identification.
• Release animals to owners as directed by DVM or tech; ensure patient is clean, groomed, and medications & belongings are present. Verify bandages and consult DVM when removal is needed. Inform client of this info.
• Assist DVM, techs, and assistants with medication administration and patient restraint.
• Manage laundry inwards, surgery, and treatment.
• Assist in overall hospital cleaning and organization: check corners and hallways for dust, take out trash/recycling, put away loose items, clean window seals and fishbowl windows.
• Check lab area for leftover blood tubes and coordinate with tech/assistant in TX/ICU about disposal.
• Process lab hold drawer items based on date; reference list on drawer.
• Run labwork.
• Restock treatment area and complete cleaning list.
• Clean, sterilize, wrap instruments in treatment (will be trained).
• Clean, sterilize, wrap and autoclave instruments in SX (will be trained).
• Complete and fold surgeries surgical laundry (will be trained).
• Answer the phone (will be trained).
• Charge clients (will be trained).

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to complete cleaning, janitorial, and restocking tasks without oversight.
• Equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience may be considered.
• Comfortable working with sick animals, hazardous materials, cleaning chemicals, gas anesthetics, zoonotic diseases, and unpleasant odors.
• Flexible scheduling; must work weekends, overnights, and holidays.
• Physical stamina to lift, clean, and maintain constant motion; may require standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Ability to lift or carry moderately heavy animals up to 50 pounds.

• Animal handling experience is a plus.

• Sunday to Wednesday from 11 PM–7:30 AM.
• Must work some holidays and maintain a consistent schedule.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster).
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution.
• Team member pet discounts.
• Emotional wellbeing support — Calm app access and 24/7 EAP.
• CE stipends and career development resources.
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for personal hardship.
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources.

Pay Range: $16.90 – $16.90 USD

At Pet Vet 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 1,700+ 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, Pet Vet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

Pet Vet 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