Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Relief) - East Grand Rapids, MI

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Kentwood, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

VEG is hiring a per diem Emergency Veterinary Assistant to support emergency veterinary care at its East Grand Rapids, Michigan hospital. The role supports the veterinary team, comforts pet parents, and assists with patient care across triage, treatment, diagnostics, and inpatient and outpatient settings. The position offers opportunities to learn through guided training and mentorship, with potential to grow into advanced responsibilities such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization, as permitted by state law. CPR training and RECOVER Certified Rescuer training are provided. VEG operates emergency hospitals nationwide that are open 24/7, 365 days a year. The company describes its hospitals as open-concept and focused on creating an immersive, customer-focused emergency care experience. VEG emphasizes employee learning, mentorship, inclusion, and career growth.

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.
Strong 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 depending on hospital needs.
Ability to work 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.
Empathy and a people-centric approach.
Humility, including acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit, and recognizing team accomplishments.
A strong sense of ownership and commitment to outcomes.
Curiosity and an ongoing interest in learning and developing skills.

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 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 complete RECOVER Certified Rescuer training.
Develop advanced skills such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization through guided training pathways, as permitted by state law.