Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Relief) - Palo Alto, CA

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) • Palo Alto, CA

22h • $21 - $52 • Onsite

About The Position

VEG is hiring a per diem Emergency Veterinary Assistant to support emergency veterinary care at its Palo Alto hospital. The role places the assistant at the center of patient care, helping the clinical team and comforting pet parents while developing skills in emergency medicine. The position offers opportunities to learn and grow through mentorship and guided training, including pathways toward anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization. CPR training is provided, along with the opportunity to become a RECOVER Certified Rescuer. Duties are performed as permitted by state law.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary assistant role.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with practice management software and electronic medical records.
• Excellent communication skills when working with pet parents and team members.
• Fine motor skills for handling 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 needs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with people from varied backgrounds and personality types.
• Empathetic, people-centric approach and openness to different perspectives.
• Humility, including willingness to acknowledge mistakes, share credit, and recognize teammates’ accomplishments.
• Ownership of work and responsibility for outcomes.
• Curiosity and commitment to learning and developing skills.

Nice To Haves

• Enrollment in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
• Emergency or specialty veterinary experience.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and support patients and pet parents, triage incoming patients, 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 care in outpatient and inpatient settings, including exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Participate in patient rounds and help maintain continuity of care.
• Learn CPR and work toward RECOVER Certified Rescuer status through provided training.
• Develop advanced skills such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization through guided training.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, with a pay range of $21–$52 based on leveling and experience.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Employee referral program.
• Comfy scrubs and VEG swag.
• Food available in the refrigerator.

What This Job Offers

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