Registered Veterinary Technician Jobs in California
Registered Veterinary Technician jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in companion animal clinics, emergency and specialty hospitals, and university veterinary teaching centers, with openings at every level from new graduates through senior credentialed technicians. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established employers such as VCA Animal Hospitals, Banfield Pet Hospital, and UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital maintain a consistent presence. The most in-demand specialties include emergency and critical care, dentistry, and anesthesia. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are seeking a full-time Registered Veterinary Technician with strong dentistry experience to join our growing team. This role is ideal for an RVT who enjoys taking ownership of dental procedures and helping advance the hospital's dental services while delivering outstanding patient care.
Why You'll Love Working With Us:
- Modern, 3,000 sq. ft. facility designed for efficiency and comfort.
- Dedicated dental and surgical suites.
- Digital dental radiography and advanced dental equipment.
- Fear Free–inspired patient care, including specialized Casco cages.
- Advanced technology, including ultrasound, digital radiographs, and Idexx in-house diagnostics.
- Collaborative team of 5 DVMs, experienced RVTs, and visiting specialists.
- Privately owned practice that values teamwork, respect, and professional growth.
What You'll Do:
- Performing comprehensive anesthetized dental prophylaxis procedures.
- Taking and interpreting high-quality full-mouth dental radiographs.
- Monitoring anesthesia throughout dental procedures, along with charting.
- Assisting veterinarians with dental extractions and advanced oral surgery procedures - including but not limited to dental nerve blocks, gingival flaps.
- Developing treatment plans and dental recommendations alongside veterinarians.
- Maintaining dental equipment and ensuring best-practice dental protocols.
- Helping mentor team members and promote excellence in dental care.
Additional RVT responsibilities include:
- Providing compassionate, high-quality patient care.
- Performing venipuncture, catheter placement, and diagnostic procedures.
- Assisting with surgery, anesthesia, radiology, and laboratory testing.
- Calculating and administering medications accurately.
- Responding confidently to emergency situations.
- Maintaining thorough and compliant medical records.
- Collaborating with specialists during advanced procedures.
Who You Are:
- Licensed Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
- Experienced and confident in veterinary dentistry and anesthesia.
- Comfortable leading dental procedures from patient preparation through recovery.
- Skilled in dental radiography and assisting with extractions.
- Professional, dependable, and detail-oriented.
- Passionate about patient care and client education.
- Positive team player with strong communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 2+ years of veterinary dentistry experience.
- Extensive experience performing dental prophylaxis and dental radiographs.
- Experience assisting with routine and advanced extractions.
- Interest in helping grow and elevate a hospital's dentistry program.
Compensation & Benefits:
Full-Time Benefits Include:
- 401(k).
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- PTO.
- Employee pet care discount (20% off services).
- At-cost Idexx lab testing.
- VetGirl membership for continuing education.
About Berkeley Animal Hospital:
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Find JobsRegistered Veterinary Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Registered Veterinary Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- PetVet Care Centers27
- Ethos Veterinary Health19
- Modern Animal18
- Petco10
- Western Veterinary Partners10
Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services32
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Consumer Goods2
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals2
- Education1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in registered veterinary technician jobs across California.
- Active registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician through the California Veterinary Medical Board
- Completion of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology associate or bachelor's degree program
- Demonstrated proficiency in anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, and surgical assistance
- Experience with practice management software such as AVImark, Cornerstone, or EasyVet
- Strong client communication skills and ability to educate pet owners on treatment plans
- Ability to handle and restrain animals of varying sizes safely and effectively
Registered Veterinary Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a registered veterinary technician in California?
You become a registered veterinary technician in California by completing an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination, then applying for registration through the California Veterinary Medical Board. The Board issues the RVT credential, which is required to use the title in California. Most accredited programs award an associate degree, though bachelor's degree programs are available and may broaden your specialization options.
How much do registered veterinary technicians make in California?
Registered veterinary technicians in California earn a median of about $60,630 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $48,240 for the lowest 10% to over $75,860 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire registered veterinary technicians in California?
Employers hiring registered veterinary technicians in California right now include PetVet Care Centers, Ethos Veterinary Health, and Modern Animal, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large corporate clinic groups, independent specialty hospitals, and UC system teaching facilities all maintain ongoing demand for credentialed technicians across the state.
Which California cities have the most registered veterinary technician jobs?
The cities with the most registered veterinary technician openings in California are Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Los Angeles drives the largest share of openings given its population density and high concentration of corporate clinic chains, emergency hospitals, and specialty referral centers, while San Diego and San Francisco add significant volume through university-affiliated facilities and well-established independent practices.
Are there remote registered veterinary technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Registered veterinary technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct patient care, anesthesia monitoring, and in-clinic procedures that cannot be performed remotely. About 1% of registered veterinary technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions tend to be in teletriage, veterinary telemedicine support, or continuing education coordination rather than direct clinical care.
How can I get hired as a registered veterinary technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a veterinary assistant or kennel technician role at a clinic or hospital while completing or just finishing your accredited RVT program. Large California employers such as VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospital regularly hire new graduates and promote internally once state registration is obtained. Completing an AVMA-accredited externship at a California emergency or specialty hospital strengthens your application, and having your RVT registration in hand before your first interview gives you a meaningful edge over unregistered candidates.
Where can I find and apply to registered veterinary technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to registered veterinary technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across clinics, emergency hospitals, specialty centers, and academic institutions. Find the roles that fit your credentials and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 221+ Registered Veterinary Technician Jobs in California
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