Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Oceanside, CA
About The Position
VEG is hiring an Emergency Veterinary Assistant to support emergency veterinary care at its Oceanside, California hospital. The role is positioned as an entry point into emergency veterinary medicine, with hands-on experience and guided opportunities to develop skills and advance into more complex responsibilities. The assistant supports the clinical team, helps comfort pet parents, and participates in patient care from triage through treatment and follow-up. Work may include caring for both outpatient and inpatient patients and assisting with cases involving a range of emergency conditions, including exotic animals.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary assistant role.
- Basic computer skills and an understanding of practice management software and electronic medical record keeping.
- Excellent communication skills when collaborating with pet parents and the team.
- Fine motor skills to handle patients and medical equipment.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods, kneel, work on the floor, lift up to 25 kg independently, and support up to 40 kg with assistance.
- Willingness 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 according to hospital demands.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with people from varied backgrounds and personality types.
- As permitted by state law, ability to perform the duties described.
Nice To Haves
- Enrollment in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Emergency or specialty veterinary experience.
Responsibilities
- Welcome and support incoming patients, assist with triage, and help guide them toward care.
- Assist with treatments, nursing care, and diagnostics, including bloodwork, imaging, catheter placement, and oxygen support.
- Work with credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinarians to set up and monitor anesthesia and sedation cases.
- Set up and manage IV fluids and blood transfusions, and assist with medication administration.
- Assist with patient care in exam rooms and treatment areas, for both outpatient and inpatient cases.
- Participate in patient rounds and help maintain continuity of care.
- Learn CPR and complete RECOVER Certified Rescuer training provided by VEG.
- Develop advanced skills, such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization, through guided training pathways.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation with a stated pay range of $20–$49, based on leveling and experience.
- 401(k) match.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on day one.
- QPR training and access to free therapy or counseling.
- Potential eligibility for equity after one year of full-time, active employment.
- Clinical and leadership learning programs, unlimited emergency room continuing education, and a travel stipend.
- Annual travel stipend of $2,500 for full-time credentialed employees and $1,000 for full-time uncredentialed employees.
- Clinical student loan repayment.
- Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary.
- Fertility and family-building care.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Employee referral program.
- Scrubs, company swag, and food in the refrigerator.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
