Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Whitby, ON

VEG ER for Pets; Whitby; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP matching

3 weeks vacation

Health & wellness benefits

ER CE travel stipend

Parental leave top-up

Flexible schedules

Referral program

VEG swag & scrubs

Job summary

VEG is seeking an Emergency Veterinary Assistant to be in the heart of the action from day one, supporting the team, comforting pet parents, and learning the ropes in real time.

You will participate in triage, treatments, and patient care, from exam rooms to treatment areas, with opportunities to grow into advanced roles such as anesthesia support and ultrasound through guided training pathways.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Enrolled in accredited veterinary technology program a plus.
• 1+ years in a veterinary assistant role (emergency or specialty experience bonus).
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with practice management software/EMR.
• Excellent communicator with pet parents and team.
• Must be able to stand for long hours and lift up to 25 kg.

Responsibilities

• Be the first warm welcome and triage incoming patients.
• Assist with treatments, care, and diagnostics from bloodwork to oxygen support.
• Support anesthesia and sedation setup with veterinarians and RVTs.
• Set up and manage IV fluids, blood transfusions, and meds.
• Participate in patient rounds and maintain continuity of care.
• Learn CPR and pursuing RECOVER certification; training provided.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Teamwork

Excellent observation

Fine motor skills

Strong stamina

Ability to lift 25 kg

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vet technology program a plus

1+ year experience in veterinary assistant role

Job description

Position: Emergency Veterinary Assistant

Location: Onsite, in hospital, Full Time

Reason for Job Posting: Existing Vacancy

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. Since then, we've expanded across the U.S. and into Canada, with hospitals open 24/7, 365 days a year. At VEG do things differently, from having open-concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of all kinds (even exotics!), to creating an emergency experience that gives customers and patients the care they deserve. We've also created a better experience 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. 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 having a voice—and the support—to make an impact here in ways you never thought possible.

THE JOB

At VEG, we don't just hire Emergency Veterinary Assistants—we grow future emergency rockstars. 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 an Emergency Registered Veterinary 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, veterinary care, and diagnostics, from bloodwork and imaging to catheter placement and oxygen support
• Work alongside our registered 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 provincial law

WHAT YOU NEED

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Enrolled in an accredited veterinary technology program a plus
• 1+ years in a veterinary assistant role (emergency or specialty experience is a bonus!)
• Basic computer skills and a comprehension 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 ($CA21/hr-$27/hr) and company RRSP Matching Program
• 3 Weeks vacation
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including Employee Assistance Program
• Based on your role, you may be eligible for a transaction bonus after one year of full-time, active employment with VEG, so you can share in our growth and success
• A BIG focus on learning and growth, from VEG-created clinical and leadership programs to unlimited ER CE + travel stipend (no really!). Full-time credentialed VEGgies receive a $2,500/year travel stipend. Full-time uncredentialed VEGgies receive a $1,000/year travel stipend.
• Clinical student loan repayment so you don't need to worry about your student debt
• VEG will support up to 10 weeks of top-up for parental leave
• Flexible work schedules to support your life outside of work
• Generous referral reward program, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people
• And the little (big) things, like comfy scrubs, cool VEG swag, and 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 committed to 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. VEG is committed to providing employment opportunities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all job applicants. If you require accommodation any time during the application, assessment, or interview process, please advise us and we will work with you to meet your needs.