Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Relief) - Palo Alto, CA

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) • Palo Alto, CA

19h • $21 - $52 • Onsite

About The Position

VEG was founded in 2014 with the goal of improving the emergency veterinary experience for people, their pets, and the staff. VEG operates 24/7 hospitals nationwide, offering a better emergency experience by challenging the status quo. The company emphasizes a supportive work environment with opportunities for learning and career growth. VEG is a certified Great Place to Work® for 2025 and 2026.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1+ years in a veterinary assistant role (emergency or specialty experience is a bonus!).
• Basic computer skills and an understanding of practice management software and electronic medical record keeping.
• Excellent communicator when collaborating with pet parents and your team.
• Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment.
• Ability to stand for prolonged hours, kneel, and work on the floor.
• Ability to lift up to 25 kg on own and able to support up to 40 kg with assistance.
• Must be willing to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as needed basis based on hospital needs.
• Work well in a fast-paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types.
• Empathetic, people-centric approach.
• Sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit, and lifting up team accomplishments.
• Strong sense of ownership over work, taking responsibility for outcomes and commitment to achieving long-term, impactful results.
• Curious by nature; asks insightful questions and continuously seeks opportunities to learn and grow skills and knowledge.

Nice To Haves

• Enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program a plus.

Responsibilities

• Triage incoming patients and guide them toward care.
• Assist with treatments, nursing care, and diagnostics, including bloodwork, imaging, catheter placement, and oxygen support.
• Work alongside veterinary technicians and veterinarians to set up and monitor anesthesia and sedation cases.
• Set up and manage IV fluids, blood transfusions, and medication administration.
• Assist during all moments of care, from outpatient or inpatient to exam room to treatment area.
• Participate in patient rounds to ensure continuity of care.
• Learn how to perform CPR and become a RECOVER Certified Rescuer (training provided).
• Grow into more advanced responsibilities such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization through guided training pathways, as permitted by state law.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: pay range is $21-$52 and based on a leveling system and experience.
• Flexible work schedules to support your life outside of work.
• Generous employee referral program.
• Comfy scrubs.
• Cool VEG swag.
• Food in the fridge for when you’re hungry.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED