ER Veterinary Assistant (2nd & 3rd Shifts) - Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Matthews

PetVet Care Centers; Matthews (NC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) plan

Pet discounts

CE stipends

Employee relief fund

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers’ Carolina Veterinary Specialists – Matthews in Matthews, NC is seeking ER Veterinary Assistants for 2nd and 3rd shifts. You’ll support veterinarians and technicians by handling patients, preparing surgery areas, and managing care during emergencies.

Ideal candidates have at least 6 months of veterinary experience, a high school diploma or GED, and strong teamwork. Benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage, and more. This is an on-site emergency role in North Carolina.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 6 months of veterinary experience in general practice, emergency, or urgent care.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians in exams and procedures.
• Prepare and sanitize surgery suites and maintain cleanliness.
• Restrain and handle patients; monitor vitals and recovery.
• Record medical information accurately and manage supplies.
• Communicate effectively with clients and the veterinary team.
• Support ICU and emergency shifts as needed.

Skills

Animal handling

Surgical prep

Emergency care

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Radiology equipment

Phlebotomy equipment

Anesthesia machines

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Matthews is currently seeking ER Veterinary Assistants (2nd & 3rd shifts) to join their team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 400 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as anER Veterinary Assistant who supports the veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks by cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and clerical and administrative work. They deliver quality care for all patients and provide exceptional service.

Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Matthews in Matthews, North Carolina, combines cutting-edge veterinary medicine with a close-knit team environment, delivering high-quality specialty and emergency care while prioritizing professional growth and support.

Take Your Career to the Next Level

Are you a dedicated Veterinary Technician or Assistant ready to grow your skills in emergency medicine? Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Matthews, NC is looking for an experienced and compassionate individual to join our fast-paced Emergency Department.

Our emergency team is known for providing exceptional client service and advanced patient care. Here, technicians and assistants work collaboratively with our talented emergency veterinarians and support staff to deliver the highest standard of veterinary medicine.

What You’ll Do

As part of our Emergency team, you’ll play a key role in delivering life‑saving care to our patients. This dynamic role includes:

• Conducting patient assessments through exams, interviews, and diagnostic testing


• Providing hands‑on care: taking vitals, collecting samples, administering medications/vaccines, and treating wounds


• Assisting veterinarians during exams and surgical procedures


• Preparing and dispensing medications as directed


• Maintaining accurate medical records and patient documentation


• Monitoring patients for signs of illness or distress and ensuring they are clean, comfortable, and hydrated


• Maintaining hospital sanitation and sterilization standards


• Managing inventory and ordering medical supplies


• Communicating effectively with pet owners and the veterinary team

Emergency & Critical Care Focus

• Assist veterinarians in emergency and ICU procedures


• Monitor vital signs, place IV catheters, draw blood, and take X‑rays


• Clean and dress wounds, apply bandages or casts, and administer injections


• Participate in on‑call ICU rotations as needed

Core Competencies

• Compassion & Care: Builds trust and demonstrates empathy toward pets and their families


• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively in a fast‑paced, supportive environment


• Dependability: Delivers consistent, high‑quality results


• Initiative: Takes ownership and anticipates needs


• Flexibility: Adapts to changing priorities and patient needs


• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with clients and colleagues


• Organization: Maintains accurate records and orderly workspaces


• Compliance: Follows hospital policies and safety procedures

Qualifications

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position


• High school diploma or GED required


• Minimum of 6 months of experience in General Practice, Emergency, Specialty, or Urgent Care veterinary settings


• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Schedule

• Full‑time; typically, 10‑hour shifts but some 12‑hour shifts will be included in your schedule.


• Looking to fill in our 2nd shifts and 3rd shifts:
  
  
  
  • 2nd shift starting between 11am to 3pm
  
  
  • 3rd shift starting between 5pm and 9pm
  
  
  
  


• Rotating biweekly schedule with weekends and some holidays required

Skills & Physical Requirements

• Skilled in surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, and patient recovery


• Proficient in phlebotomy, catheter placement, radiology, and emergency procedures


• Able to safely handle and restrain animals, including those that are injured or stressed


• Comfortable working with chemicals, anesthetic gases, and biological materials


• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods


• Strong multitasking and communication skills


• Professional demeanor and commitment to quality patient care

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)


• 401(k) with discretionary contribution


• Team Member Pet Discounts


• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP


• CE stipends and career development resources


• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship


• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to aCulture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high‑quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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