Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Princeton, NJ

VEG ER for Pets; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + 401K match

Health, dental, vision coverage from第一

Travel stipend

Student loan repayment

Parental leave

Flexible work schedules

Employee referral program

Job summary

VEG is redefining veterinary emergency care with open-concept hospitals and a focus on growth for VEGgies. As an Emergency Veterinary Assistant, you join a fast-paced team, supporting triage, treatments, and patient care from day one.

You'll work alongside credentialed technicians and veterinarians, learn CPR, and pursue pathways to anesthesia, ultrasound, and advanced skills through guided training. We welcome compassionate, team-oriented individuals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Enrolled in AVMA-accredited veterinary tech program a plus.
• 1+ years in veterinary assistant role (emergency or specialty experience is a bonus).
• Basic computer skills and understanding of practice management software and EMR.
• Excellent communicator with pet parents and team.
• Fine motor skills for handling patients and equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 kg and assist up to 40 kg.
• Willing to work in a noisy environment with odors; nights/weekends/holidays rotations.

Responsibilities

• Triage incoming patients and guide them toward care.
• Assist with treatments, nursing care, and diagnostics (bloodwork, imaging, catheters, oxygen).
• Set up and monitor anesthesia and sedation with clinicians.
• Set up IV fluids, blood transfusions, and medications.
• Support care in outpatient or inpatient settings; from exam room to treatment area.
• Participate in patient rounds and maintain continuity of care.
• Learn CPR and pursue RECOVER Certified Rescuer training.
• Grow into roles such as anesthesia support, ultrasound, catheterization through training pathways.
• Work in compliance with state law.

Skills

Empathy

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Stamina

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma

AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program

Tools

Practice management software

Electronic Medical Records

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!

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This means 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 best 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 an 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 demands
• Ability to 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, including base and 401K match
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits that start on day one, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, QPR training, and access to free therapy or counseling
• Depending on your role, you may be eligible for equity 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
• Paid parental leave; up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary and inclusive fertility and family-building care for all types of families
• 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, 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 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.