Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Santa Clarita, CA
About The Position
VEG is hiring an Emergency Veterinary Assistant to support emergency veterinary care at its Santa Clarita, California hospital. The assistant will welcome and triage incoming patients, support pet parents, and assist the clinical team with treatments, nursing care, diagnostics, anesthesia and sedation cases, IV fluids, transfusions, and medication administration. The role includes assisting with outpatient and inpatient care, participating in patient rounds, and helping maintain continuity of care. VEG provides training and guided pathways to develop emergency-care skills, including CPR and RECOVER Certified Rescuer training, with opportunities to grow into responsibilities such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization, as permitted by state law. The role is suited to someone who is empathetic, curious, collaborative, accountable, and interested in learning and developing in veterinary emergency medicine.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least one 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 working with pet parents and the team.
- 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 well 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 incoming patients, triage them, 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 outpatient and inpatient care in exam rooms and treatment areas.
- Join patient rounds and help ensure 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 pathways.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation of $20–$49 per hour, based on a leveling system.
- 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, depending on role.
- Clinical and leadership learning programs, unlimited emergency-room continuing education, and a travel stipend.
- Full-time credentialed employees receive a $2,500 annual travel stipend; full-time uncredentialed employees receive a $1,000 annual travel stipend.
- 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.
- Comfy scrubs, company swag, 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
