Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Costa Mesa, CA

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Costa Mesa, CA

5h•$20 - $49

About The Position

VEG is hiring an Emergency Veterinary Assistant for its Costa Mesa, California hospital. The role supports emergency veterinary care by helping triage incoming patients, assisting with treatments and diagnostics, supporting credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinarians, and communicating with pet parents. The assistant works across outpatient and inpatient care, from exam rooms to treatment areas, and participates in patient rounds to help maintain continuity of care. Training is provided in CPR, with the opportunity to become a RECOVER Certified Rescuer and to develop advanced skills in areas such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization, as permitted by state law. VEG describes the position as an opportunity to learn and grow in emergency veterinary medicine, with mentorship and clinical and leadership learning programs. The hospital operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Work schedules are flexible, and employees must be available for rotating or as-needed nights, weekends, and holidays based on hospital demands.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of experience 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 communication skills when collaborating with pet parents and the 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 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 based on hospital demands.
Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with people from varied backgrounds and personality types.
Empathetic, people-centric approach; humility; ownership of work; and curiosity and interest in continuous learning.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome and 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 patient care in outpatient and inpatient settings, including exam rooms and treatment areas.
Participate in patient rounds and help ensure continuity of care.
Learn CPR and complete training to become a RECOVER Certified Rescuer.
Develop advanced responsibilities, including anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization, through guided training pathways.
Support pet parents and collaborate with the veterinary team.

Benefits

Competitive compensation of $20–$49 per hour, based on a leveling system.
401(k) match.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one.
QPR training and access to free therapy or counseling.
Potential eligibility for equity after one year of full-time, active employment with VEG, depending on role.
Clinical and leadership learning programs and unlimited emergency-room continuing education, plus a travel stipend.
Annual travel stipend of $2,500 for full-time credentialed VEG employees and $1,000 for full-time uncredentialed VEG employees.
Clinical student loan repayment.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary.
Inclusive fertility and family-building care.
Flexible work schedules.
Employee referral program.
Scrubs, company merchandise, and food in the fridge.