Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant – Emergency Medicine

Grow Your Skills. Make a Difference. Love What You Do.

Coastal Animal Referral Emergency (CARE) is a locally owned emergency veterinary hospital dedicated to providing exceptional care to companion animals while creating an outstanding workplace for our team.

Emergency medicine is challenging, rewarding, and constantly evolving. As a Veterinary Assistant at CARE, you’ll work alongside experienced veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians while developing advanced emergency and critical care skills in a supportive, team-focused environment.

Our Three Core Principles

Be Nice
Treat clients, patients, and teammates with kindness and respect.

See Patients
Provide timely care to pets who need us.

Do the Medicine
Deliver the highest standard of veterinary care possible.

Compensation & Benefits:

· $17–$22 per hour (based on experience)

· Health Insurance Stipend

· Pet Insurance Stipend

· 120 Hours Paid Time Off

· 401(k) with Employer Match

· Employee Pet Care Discount

· Life Insurance

· Meals Provided During Shifts

· Ongoing Training and Professional Development

What You’ll Do:

Patient Care:

· Assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with patient examinations, treatments, and procedures

· Monitor hospitalized patients and promptly communicate changes in condition

· Safely and compassionately restrain patients

· Assist with emergency and critical care procedures

· Prepare patients for surgery and diagnostic procedures

Client Communication:

· Obtain patient histories and communicate client concerns to the medical team

· Review treatment plans and estimates as directed by veterinarians

· Provide updates on hospitalized patients

· Review discharge instructions with clients

Technical Skills:

· Collect laboratory samples and perform in-house diagnostics

· Assist with radiography, CT scans, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other advanced procedures

· Assist with catheter placement and patient preparation

· Administer treatments and medications as directed

Hospital Operations:

· Maintain a clean, organized, and safe hospital environment

· Prepare and maintain medical and surgical equipment

· Follow OSHA, DEA, and hospital safety protocols

· Assist with inventory and equipment maintenance as needed

Schedule & Physical Requirements:

· Full-time position (37–40 hours per week)

· 10–12 hour shifts

· Must be available for days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

· Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the shift

Qualifications:

Preferred:

· 2 years of experience in a veterinary hospital

· 1 year of emergency veterinary experience

· Veterinary assistant experience in a fast-paced environment

· Familiarity with OSHA, DEA, and veterinary safety protocols

Strong Candidates Also:

· Enjoy learning and developing new skills

· Remain calm under pressure

· Communicate effectively with clients and coworkers

· Work well as part of a collaborative team

· Have an interest in emergency and critical care medicine

· Are enrolled in or considering a veterinary technology program

Veterinary technician students are encouraged to apply and will have opportunities to develop advanced technical skills under the supervision of licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians.

Why CARE?

We believe veterinary medicine should be both professionally rewarding and sustainable. Our goal is to provide excellent patient care while fostering a healthy workplace where team members can grow, learn, and build long-term careers.

“This job made me fall in love with emergency veterinary medicine. Because of CARE, I have been able to expand my education and pursue becoming an LVT.”

— Kaitlyn, Veterinary Assistant

If you’re passionate about helping animals, eager to learn, and excited by emergency medicine, we’d love to meet you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Uniform allowance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $22