Emergency Veterinary Assistant - San Diego, CA
About The Position
VEG is a nationwide emergency veterinary hospital company founded in 2014 to improve the emergency experience for pets, their people, and veterinary staff. Its hospitals are open 24/7, 365 days a year, and provide emergency care for a range of cases, including exotics. VEG emphasizes an open-concept hospital environment, customer-focused care, learning, mentorship, and career growth. It is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®. The Emergency Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinary team, comforts pet parents, and participates in emergency patient care, including triage, treatments, diagnostics, and inpatient and outpatient care. The position offers guided training and opportunities to develop advanced clinical responsibilities. Duties are performed as permitted by state law. The role requires availability for rotating or as-needed nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on hospital demands.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary assistant role.
- Basic computer skills and understanding of practice management software and electronic medical record keeping.
- Excellent communication skills when working with pet parents and colleagues.
- Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods and 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 demands.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with people from varied backgrounds and personality types.
Nice To Haves
- Enrollment in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Emergency or specialty veterinary experience.
Responsibilities
- Welcome and support clients and triage incoming patients, helping 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 follow the clinical picture to support continuity of care.
- Learn CPR and complete RECOVER Certified Rescuer training.
- Develop advanced responsibilities, such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization, through guided training pathways.
Benefits
- Competitive pay range of $20–$49, based on leveling and experience, including base pay and a 401(k) match.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one.
- QPR training and access to free therapy or counseling.
- Potential equity eligibility after one year of full-time, active employment, depending on role.
- Clinical and leadership learning programs and unlimited emergency-room continuing education, with a travel stipend.
- Annual travel stipend for full-time VEG employees: $2,500 for credentialed employees and $1,000 for uncredentialed employees.
- Clinical student loan repayment.
- Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary, plus fertility and family-building care.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Employee referral program.
- Scrubs, company merchandise, and food in the fridge.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
