Emergency Veterinarian (Relief) - Pittsburgh, PA

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG); Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 165,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible schedules

Referral rewards program

VEG swag and meals on shift

Job summary

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) seeks an experienced Emergency Veterinarian for per diem coverage. You will handle emergencies, provide high-quality care, and support families and their pets with clear communication.

The role emphasizes mentorship, ongoing education, and growth within a collaborative ER team. Join a culture that values learning, teamwork, and making a significant impact in veterinary emergency medicine, with access to VEG Education programs and opportunities to advance your

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent degree is required.
• Availability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced emergency setting and manage multiple patients.

Responsibilities

• Answer medical questions over the phone.
• See patients immediately as part of VEG triage and rapid assessment.
• Gather signalment, presenting complaint, vitals, and exam.
• Perform physical exams, imaging, labs, and procedures as needed.
• Develop and communicate diagnostic and treatment plans with clients.
• Prepare estimates and discuss them with clients.
• Document medical records accurately and thoroughly.
• Perform emergency surgeries and endoscopic procedures as required.
• Educate clients on aftercare and prevention.

Skills

Emergency medicine

Team collaboration

Client communication

Stamina and mobility

Education

DVM or equivalent degree

Job description

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

As a per diem Emergency Veterinarian, you’re more than just passionate about helping people and their pets; you thrive on it, especially when they need you most. At VEG, we find a way to say yes to supporting you, so you can be the best, most confident ER professional possible and grow your career in unexpected directions. With a culture rooted in mentorship and continuous learning—from on-the-floor guidance to VEG Education programs and unlimited ER-focused CE—you’ll never stop learning. You’ll handle any emergency that comes through the door, from routine cases to complex surgeries, and treat every kind of pet, including exotics! As a leader on the hospital floor, you’ll have the chance to be a superhero for your customers, backed by a team and resources that empower you to take your career further than you ever imagined.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Answer medical questions over the phone
• See patients right away as part of the VEG Triage and VEG Spikes, our unique, customer-centered way of doing things—like ensuring people see a doctor right away and allowing families to stay with their pets
• Gather the signalment, presenting complaint, vitals, and physical exam
• Conduct physical examinations of animals, along with other required investigatory measures such as ultrasounds, X-rays, bloodwork, and biopsies
• Complete a diagnosis of each pet’s condition to create a diagnostic and therapeutic plan
• Communicate diagnosis and treatment options directly with customers
• Prepare estimates and present them to customers
• Create and review medical records to ensure accuracy
• Demonstrate the value of tests and treatments performed by speaking with the customer and addressing their concerns
• Perform minor and major emergency surgeries
• Perform endoscopic procedures
• Educate customers on after care and preventative measures where appropriate

WHAT YOU NEED

• A DVM or equivalent degree
• Live and breathe emergency medicine, including emergency surgery (the soft tissue kind!) and endoscopy
• Thrive in team-oriented environments (think hospital retreats, team dinners, happy hours, and more)
• 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
• 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, 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.