C.A.R.E.4Paws Careers

Join our team – make a pawsitive difference for pet families in need!

Are you interested in a career with C.A.R.E.4Paws? Founded in 2009 with the mission to prevent pet overpopulation and improve pet family welfare, we work directly in underserved communities in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo (SLO) counties to provide a range of resources that keep animals healthy and with the people who love them.

Three C.A.R.E.4Paws vet techs in their scrubs, one is holding an orange cat

Job openings

Bilingual Clinic Administrative Assistant (Spanish-English)

Job description

Position: Clinic Administrative Assistant
Location: Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo Counties
Job type: Onsite at clinic events Tuesday–Friday + 1st & 3rd Sundays; administration time on Sunday; and 2nd & 4th Mondays at the office in Santa Maria.
Compensation: $22 per hour

Position overview

The Clinic Administrative Assistant supports our Pet Wellness Clinic and communicates directly with clients seeking information or wanting to be seen at the Pet Wellness Clinic. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about helping animals, excels in customer service and can work in a fast-paced, community-focused environment. The Clinic Administrative Assistant plays a key role in ensuring smooth vaccine clinic flow through organized client communication.

Key responsibilities

Client Interaction & Customer Service

  • Provides assistance with the clinic set up prior to the walk-in clinic, such as unloading of the vans and setup of check in station, etc.
  • Warmly greets clients and their pets, creating a welcoming and compassionate environment.
  • Provides Spanish-language support, including helping Spanish-speaking clients complete paperwork.
  • Provides excellent customer service for new Spanish client inquiries, callbacks, and ongoing communication onsite or from home.
  • Assists with the vaccination clinic, supporting patient flow and basic client communication.

Check-In, Check-Out & Payments

  • Supports efficient surgery check-in and check-out processes, including verifying client information and collecting payments.
  • Calls clients when pets are ready for discharge.
  • Assists with surgical discharges, providing clear post-operative instructions with compassion.
  • Accurately handles cash and credit card transactions.

Animal Handling

  • Safely and confidently handles and restrains cats and dogs during check-in, check-out, at the pet wellness clinic, and as requested by other clinic staff.

Administrative & Record-keeping

  • Performs general administrative tasks, such as answering phone calls, responding to Spanish texts and emails and managing daily paperwork.
  • Adds clients to waitlists for medical, dental or spay/neuter services.
  • Schedules surgery appointments and work from the Spanish-language waitlist to fill appointment slots.
  • Maintains accurate and confidential client records using our database system.

Inventory & Supplies

  • Supports inventory management, including restocking supplies and assisting with ordering as needed.

Technology & Equipment

  • Maintains clinic technology, including laptops, iPads, and other electronic devices essential to taking payments, communicating with clients or entering data.

Team Collaboration

  • Collaborates closely with veterinary staff to ensure efficient, organized and compassionate clinic operations.

Qualifications

  • Associate Degree or equivalent required; prior veterinary or medical office experience required.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to remain calm and supportive.
  • Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods in a mobile clinic setting.
  • Compassion for animals and commitment to providing outstanding care and service.
  • A valid California driver’s license and auto insurance.

Qualities we value

  • Compassion – Genuine care for animals and their families.
  • Detail-Oriented – Accuracy in patient monitoring, records and procedures.
  • Professionalism – Reliable, respectful, accountable and committed to continuous learning.
  • Teamwork – Collaborative spirit, supportive of colleagues and mission-driven.
  • Calm Under Pressure – Ability to adapt and make sound decisions in stressful situations.

Why join us?

At C.A.R.E.4Paws, you will be part of a passionate, mission-driven team making a direct difference for thousands of pets and families each year. This role offers the chance to use your technical expertise in a unique mobile clinic setting while helping underserved communities access affordable care.

Apply by sending your cover letter and resume to samantha@care4paws.org.

Experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Job description

Position: Experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Location: Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo Counties
Job type: Part-time or full-time — Tuesday–Friday + 1st & 3rd Sundays (estimated 30–40 hours)
Compensation: $30 – $35 per hour (DOE)

Position overview

We seek an experienced RVT or Veterinary Assistant to join our high-volume mobile clinic team. This role involves assisting veterinarians in surgical procedures, anesthesia, dentals and medical care while ensuring that patients and clients receive safe, high-quality and compassionate service. Candidates must be confident in their technical skills, adaptable in a fast-paced mobile setting and committed to teamwork and professionalism. Reliable transportation is required, as event locations rotate across Santa Barbara and SLO counties.

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with spay/neuter surgeries, dental procedures and medical exams.
  • Perform high volume induction, intubation, anesthesia monitoring and recovery for cats and dogs.
  • Provide high quality perioperative care including pain management and medication administration.
  • Perform dental cleanings. To perform dental extractions and other oral treatments valid RVT credentials are required.
  • Maintain accurate medical records, anesthesia logs and surgical notes.
  • Communicate effectively with clients, providing discharge instructions and post-operative guidance.

Qualifications

Required 

  • Current RVT license
  • Minimum 2 years of veterinary field experience with emphasis on surgery and anesthesia.
  • Skilled in IV catheter placement, induction, intubation, anesthetic monitoring and emergency response for canine and feline patients.
  • Physical ability to safely lift and restrain animals up to 60 lbs, stand for long periods and handle fast-paced clinic demands.

Preferred 

  • Experience in shelter, nonprofit or high-volume spay/neuter environment.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish).
  • Prior leadership or training experience.

    Qualities we value

    • Compassion – Genuine care for animals and their families.
    • Detail-Oriented – Accuracy in patient monitoring, records and procedures.
    • Professionalism – Reliable, respectful, accountable and committed to continuous learning.
    • Teamwork – Collaborative spirit, supportive of colleagues and mission-driven.
    • Calm Under Pressure – Ability to adapt and make sound decisions in stressful situations.

    Why join us?

    At C.A.R.E.4Paws, you will be part of a passionate, mission-driven team making a direct difference for thousands of pets and families each year. This role offers the chance to use your technical expertise in a unique mobile clinic setting while helping underserved communities access affordable care.

    Apply by sending your cover letter and resume to samantha@care4paws.org.