Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Relief) - San Diego, CA
About The Position
VEG is hiring a per diem Emergency Veterinary Assistant to support emergency veterinary care in a fast-paced hospital environment. The assistant will welcome and triage incoming patients, support pet parents and colleagues, and assist with treatments, nursing care, diagnostics, anesthesia and sedation cases, IV fluids, transfusions, and medication administration. The role involves working with credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinarians, participating in patient rounds, and assisting with care in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Training is provided in CPR and RECOVER certification, with guided opportunities to grow into advanced responsibilities such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization, as permitted by state law. The position requires availability for nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis. The work may involve prolonged standing, kneeling, working on the floor, lifting patients or equipment, and exposure to noise and strong or unpleasant odors. VEG describes its hospitals as open-concept and operates hospitals 24/7, 365 days a year.
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.
- Strong communication skills when collaborating with pet parents and team members.
- Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods, kneel, and work on the floor.
- Ability to 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, depending on hospital needs.
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with people from varied backgrounds and personality types.
- Empathy and a people-centric approach; humility; ownership and accountability; curiosity and a commitment to learning and growth.
Nice To Haves
- Enrollment in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Emergency or specialty veterinary experience.
Responsibilities
- Welcome and support incoming patients, perform 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, blood transfusions, and medication administration.
- Assist with patient care in outpatient and inpatient settings, from exam rooms to treatment areas.
- Participate in patient rounds and help maintain continuity of care.
- Learn CPR and complete RECOVER Certified Rescuer training.
- Develop advanced skills, including anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization, through guided training pathways, as permitted by state law.
Benefits
- Flexible work schedules.
- Employee referral program.
- Comfy scrubs and VEG swag.
- Food available in the workplace fridge.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
