Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Overnight) - Elk Grove, CA

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Elk Grove, CA

11h•$27 - $56•Onsite

About The Position

VEG is hiring an Emergency Veterinary Assistant to support emergency veterinary care at its Elk Grove, California hospital. The role places assistants at the center of a fast-paced emergency team, supporting patients and their people while developing clinical skills through on-the-job learning, mentorship, and guided training. Assistants work with credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinarians and may grow into advanced responsibilities as permitted by state law. The position involves triaging patients; assisting with treatments, nursing care, and diagnostics; supporting anesthesia and sedation cases; managing fluids, transfusions, and medication administration; and helping coordinate care across outpatient and inpatient settings. The assistant participates in patient rounds and can receive CPR training toward RECOVER Certified Rescuer status. VEG describes its hospitals as open-concept and open 24/7, 365 days a year. This role requires availability for overnight work as well as nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis according to hospital demands.

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.
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 demands.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with people from varied backgrounds and personality types.
Empathy and a people-centric approach.
Humility, including willingness to acknowledge mistakes, share credit, and support teammates.
Ownership of work and accountability for outcomes.
Curiosity and commitment to ongoing learning and skill development.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Welcome and support incoming patients by triaging them and 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 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 pursue RECOVER Certified Rescuer status through provided training.
Develop advanced skills such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization through guided training pathways.

Benefits

Competitive compensation; pay range is $27–$56, based on leveling and experience, including base pay and 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-care continuing education, and a travel stipend for eligible employees.
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 for all types of families.
Flexible work schedules.
Employee referral program.
Comfy scrubs, company swag, and food in the fridge.