Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Relief) - Santa Cruz, CA

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This meant challenging the status quo and fixing everything that was wrong with the ER experience. Since then, we’ve expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7, 365 days a year, and created a better emergency experience—not only for people and their pets, but also for everyone who works here—our VEGgies!

At VEG we find a way to say yes to the career you want in veterinary emergency medicine. This means transforming how ER works, from our open-concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of every kind (even exotics!) to our immersive, customer-focused experience, which helps us give people and their pets the care they deserve.

This also means saying yes to creating the greatest experience possible for our VEGgies. Yes to working in an environment where you can find your place and feel valued for the amazing work you do. Yes to having unparalleled opportunities for learning and mentorship so you can grow where you want to go in your career. And yes to making an impact here in ways you never thought possible.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

 

THE JOB

At VEG, we don’t just hire assistants—we grow future emergency rockstars. As a per diem Emergency Veterinary Assistant, you’ll be in the heart of the action from day one, supporting your team, comforting pet parents, and learning the ropes in real time. You’ll be there for everything—the triage, the treatments, and the tail wags. You’re embarking on a path where careers start, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re on your way to becoming a credentialed technician or exploring where your passion can take you, we’ll say yes to your growth every step of the way.

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO*

• Be the first warm welcome and a steady support, triaging incoming patients and helping guide them toward care
• Assist with treatments, nursing care, and diagnostics, from bloodwork and imaging to catheter placement and oxygen support
• Work alongside our 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 during every moment of care: outpatient or inpatient, exam room to treatment area.
• Join patient rounds and stay close to the clinical picture to ensure continuity of care.
• Learn how to perform CPR and become a RECOVER Certified Rescuer (training provided!)
• Grow into more advanced responsibilities, such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, and catheterization through guided training pathways

*As permitted by state law

 

WHAT YOU NEED

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program a plus
• 1+ years 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 communicator when collaborating with pet parents and your team
• Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment
• Ability to stand for prolonged hours, kneel, and work on the floor as well as ability to lift up to 25 kg on own and able to support up to 40 kg with assistance
• Must be willing 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 needs
• Work well in a fast-paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types

 

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives
• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s’ accomplishments
• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results 
• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

 

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Competitive compensation ($20 - $49 and based on a leveling system and experience) and 401k match
• Flexible work schedules to support your life outside of work
• Generous employee referral program, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people
• And the little (big) things, like comfy scrubs, cool VEG swag, food in the fridge for when you’re hungry

 

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it's a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is “Helping people and their pets when they need it most.” And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world’s veterinary emergency company.