Registered Veterinary Technician - Emergency

Description

Registered Veterinary Technician - Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County

At Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, you'll have the support, tools, and resources to grow your career in emergency veterinary medicine. As a hospital deeply rooted in our Mission Viejo community, you'll be part of a close-knit team with the strength and resources of Thrive's national network.

Who We Are

Despite our name, we are a true emergency hospital, serving pets and their families 365 days a year with advanced care when it's needed most. Our fast-paced environment offers an incredible opportunity to learn and apply emergency and critical care skills. From triaging urgent cases and stabilizing critical patients to supporting advanced diagnostics and treatments, our team provides lifesaving care when pets need it most.

Our doctors, veterinary technicians, and client service representatives work side by side to deliver compassionate care with urgency and precision. We foster a culture that balances personal growth, teamwork, and uncompromising medicine-all while serving as a trusted lifeline for our community's pets in crisis.

Provide Your Best Care with More Bridges and Fewer Barriers

As a Registered Veterinary Technician, you'll play a central role in patient care-performing advanced nursing skills, supporting diagnostics, and ensuring smooth patient flow from admission to discharge. In our emergency setting, every shift brings unique cases, meaningful learning experiences, and the chance to make a real difference when pets and their families need us most.

Role Responsibilities

Support veterinarians in emergency and critical care to ensure high-quality treatment, advocate for pets in crisis, and educate clients with clarity and compassion.

Assist the medical team in all aspects of patient care to maximize productivity and maintain efficient flow in a dynamic ER environment.

Obtain and document detailed health histories from clients, ensuring accuracy and completeness in medical records.

Perform moderate to advanced nursing skills, including :

Placing and maintaining intravenous catheters (IVCs)

Assisting with and maintaining central line placement

Collecting blood samples via venipuncture

Administering SQ, IM, and IV injections

Running in-house diagnostics and laboratory tests

Monitoring vital signs and recognizing abnormalities

Safely and effectively restrain patients, from stable to critical, while prioritizing safety and stress reduction.

Prepare patients, medications, and specialized equipment for examinations, treatments, and surgical procedures.

Maintain sterile, organized, and efficient treatment and laboratory areas.

Bonus : Prior ER or critical care skills (triage, CPR, oxygen therapy, fluid therapy) are highly valued but not required. We provide a structured, level-based training program to help team members advance step by step.

Experience & Skills Requirements

Licensed or license-eligible Veterinary Technician (RVT) in California strongly preferred.

Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to clearly document medical notes and maintain accurate records.

Commitment to practicing compassionate, gold-standard medicine that supports patients through every stage of care.

Positive, professional, and collaborative attitude with clients, patients, and team members.

Motivation to continually learn, expand skill sets, and grow as a valued member of the emergency care team.

Ideal candidates will have at least two years of experience in a veterinary practice setting; ER / ICU experience is a plus but not required.

Hospital Schedule

Monday-Thursday : 6 : 00 PM - 8 : 00 AM

Friday : Opens 6 : 00 PM and remains 24 hours through the weekend until Monday 8 : 00 AM

Open all major holidays

Transitioning to 24 / 7 operations in January 2026

You'll Grow With Us

Here, you can grow your career through access to comprehensive learning and skill development programs :

ThriveU : A vast, free library of continuing education courses

Live, virtual interactive workshops for leadership and clinical skills

Structured, badge-level training program designed to build confidence and advance ER skills step by step

Tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities

Benefits - Our Care in Action

We provide a benefits package that supports your mental, physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing :

Paid time off, including 8 weeks of full-pay parental leave, bereavement (including pet loss), and adoption leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus health savings and flexible spending accounts

Pet perks including free exams and discounts on products and services at all Thrive Pet Healthcare locations

Subsidized backup and ongoing care support for children, adults, and pets

Mental health resources including coaching and therapy sessions

401(k) with employer contribution and no waiting period

Continuing education support with paid CE time off

Student loan support programs and much more

Compensation

Compensation is negotiable based on credentials and experience, with an hourly pay rate of $25 - $30+ per hour. The actual rate offered will carefully consider skills, qualifications, experience, and location.