Veterinary Assistant, Emergency

Ethos Veterinary Health•Bel Air, MD

7d•$23 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports quality patient care and operational efficiency in a fast-paced, 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. Working closely with attending veterinarians and veterinary technicians, the role provides hands-on patient assistance, helps carry out medical treatments, and assists with diagnostic and surgical procedures. The assistant also anticipates workflow needs, helps organize patients, and contributes to a collaborative and supportive team culture under veterinary and technician leadership. The position includes clinical nursing support, diagnostic assistance, client communication and education, team training and mentoring, and maintaining hospital operations. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available. Candidates must be flexible to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may need to stay past the end of a shift when patient care requires.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Basic math, reading, and writing proficiency.
At least 3 years of experience in general veterinary practice or at least 2 years of experience in emergency veterinary practice.
Signed-off Tier 0, Tier 1, and Tier 2 competencies, or equivalent demonstrated clinical capability.
Working familiarity with common canine and feline breeds, emergency presentations, infectious and zoonotic diseases, pharmacology, and standard medical terminology and abbreviations.
Strong organization and multitasking skills.
Ability to remain composed in high-stress conditions.
Dedicated, compassionate approach to patient care.
Flexibility to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Willingness to stay beyond the scheduled shift when patient care requires.

Responsibilities

Perform assigned treatments documented in written and electronic patient charts.
Perform venipuncture on canine and feline patients using cephalic, saphenous, and jugular veins according to hospital standards.
Place IV catheters in large canine patients over 40 pounds according to hospital protocols.
Calculate, reconstitute, and administer prescribed IV and SQ medications.
Handle and administer blood and plasma products as directed; operate, monitor, and maintain infusion pumps.
Perform basic life support, including CPR, airway maintenance, and oxygen therapy, under veterinary direction.
Provide specialized nutrition and patient care, including feeding neonates and maintaining nasogastric and esophageal feeding tubes.
Handle, administer, and log controlled substances using the Cubex automated dispensing system.
Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with examinations, treatments, and surgical interventions.
Assist with and monitor minor procedures on sedated or anesthetized patients.
Obtain and assess blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and EKG metrics, and promptly relay findings to the veterinary team.
Operate in-house laboratory analyzers, run blood and diagnostic tests, and accurately report results to clinicians.
Communicate compassionately and clearly with clients during emergency visits and provide excellent customer service.
Educate clients about home care and post-discharge treatments, including feeding tube and neonate feeding instructions.
Answer client calls, document medical communications, and relay information accurately to veterinarians.
Anticipate procedural and workflow needs to help emergency cases move efficiently.
Train and mentor incoming team members at Tier 0–2 stages.
Participate in team problem-solving, support a positive departmental culture, and assist other hospital departments as needed.
Attend monthly staff meetings, tier classes, and surgery training modules.
Maintain clean, sterile, well-stocked, and safe clinical treatment areas.
Monitor inventory and promptly report low-stock items to leadership.
Follow patient confidentiality, hospital safety, and incident reporting protocols.
Assist with developing and refining internal workflow procedures and hospital forms.

Benefits

Competitive hourly pay of $23–$40, based on experience and skill set.
Additional $3 per hour for overnight shifts and $4 per hour for weekend shifts.
Pet bill discounts and employee pet wellness days.
Discounted employee pet bloodwork.
Cell phone discounts.
Vacation accrual beginning immediately, with the opportunity to accrue up to 160 hours.
PTO and sick time.
Insurance benefits.
401(k) with employer match.
Free short-term disability coverage for eligible employees.
Free therapy and Employee Assistance Program.
Employee professional mentorship programs.
Onsite classes, training, and continuing education opportunities.
Full scholarships for the Penn Foster Veterinary Technology associate degree program and scholarships for the CCBC Veterinary Technician program, eligible after six months of employment.
Veterinary Technician Specialist support groups, resources, webinar training, and mentorship opportunities.
Rabies vaccinations.
Employee referral bonuses.
Coverage of licensing costs and professional fees.
Additional benefits.