Veterinary Assistant-Emergency

Thrive Pet Healthcare; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Mental health resources (Lyra Health)

Paid parental leave

Purr-ental leave

Subsidized backup childcare and elder

Job summary

Thrive Pet Healthcare in San Antonio, TX is seeking a Veterinary Assistant for Emergency Critical Care to join our fast-paced ER team. This full-time role offers four 10-hour shifts, with day, swing, and overnight options and a shift differential for overnights. A $2,500 sign-on bonus is available.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of hands-on veterinary experience, can perform venipuncture and IV catheter placement, and work well in a collaborative, client‑focused environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of hands‑on veterinary clinical experience required.
• Emergency or urgent care experience preferred.
• Able to handle and restrain animals; stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians with ER patient care and procedures.
• Maintain efficient patient flow and prepare rooms.
• Support triage, intake, and urgent changes communication.

Skills

Venipuncture

IV catheter placement

Radiograph positioning

Drug calculations

Emergency care

Patient restraint

Communication

Teamwork

Shift work

Job description

Veterinary Assistant – Emergency Critical Care | Full-time

Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists | 2426 Ceegee St, San Antonio, TX 78217

$2,500 SIGN ON BONUS

Schedule: full-time, four 10-hour shifts. Day, swing, and overnight shifts are available, with a shift differential for overnight shifts.

About You

You’re a compassionate veterinary assistant/technician who enjoys being part of a close-knit team and making a difference when pets and their families need it most. You bring a steady, helpful approach to busy situations, communicate with care, and are always willing to support your teammates. Your hands‑on veterinary experience and team‑first mindset will help you feel right at home here.

Your Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of hands‑on veterinary clinical experience is required. Candidates must be able to independently perform venipuncture, place IV catheters, position patients for radiographs, and complete basic drug calculations
• Emergency or urgent care experience is strongly preferred
• Ability to safely handle and restrain animals and stand for extended periods, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Working knowledge of basic veterinary practices, procedures, and terminology
• Comfortable using practice software and basic computer tools; strong organization and attention to detail
• Clear, compassionate communication and strong teamwork skills
• Willingness to work a day, swing, or overnight shift; weekends and holidays may be required based on ER needs

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians with ER patient care, treatments, and procedures
• Maintain efficient patient flow by preparing rooms, anticipating needs, and coordinating with the medical team
• Support triage and intake by obtaining history, starting workflows, and communicating urgent changes to the team
• Monitor hospitalized patients and promptly report changes in condition
• Assist with laboratory/diagnostic workflows as directed (sample handling, in‑house testing support) and provide basic nursing care
• Assist with procedures and surgery by setting up, maintaining a clean work area, and supporting the team throughout
• Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, medications, and next steps; share Thrive Membership options as appropriate
• Document patient history, treatments, and updates accurately in the medical record
• Use safe restraint techniques, follow hospital protocols, and help keep treatment areas clean, stocked, and organized
• Other tasks as assigned

Skills

Here, you can grow your career as best fits you through access to comprehensive learning and skillset programs. You can build your skills and earn credentials through:

• Our vast, diverse, and free library of continuing education courses - ThriveU
• Live, virtual interactive workshops to develop valuable leadership skills
• A program designed to teach you the fundamentals of running a pet hospital

And, with so many locations nationwide, you can find and move into any specialty, hospital type, or environment. Join us and provide your best care at a clinic that is deeply rooted within its community and bolstered by the resources of Thrive Pet Healthcare.

Benefits

Thrive offers a suite of benefits to support team members’ emotional, physical, professional, and financial wellbeing. In addition to our health and life insurance, and short- and long- term disability plans, we offer eligible team members:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match
• Mental health resources, including easy access to therapy through Lyra Health
• Paid parental leave
• Purr-ental leave for when you adopt a pet
• Subsidized backup childcare and elder care
• Expert advice, support and network discounts for fertility and family planning
• FREE CE courses
• Pet perks and veterinary service discounts
• Student loan support tools and assistance
• Some benefits shown are only for full-time team members who work 30 hours or more per week. Certain Benefits may be subject to waiting periods or length of service requirements.

About The Hospital

In 2024, our long-standing San Antonio ER expanded into a modern 24‑hour emergency and specialty facility. We’re Fear Free® certified and equipped with advanced technology (CT, MRI, ultrasound, linear accelerator) plus a pharmacy—supported by a friendly, collaborative team with 25+ years of ER and critical care experience.

About Thrive

Thrive Pet Healthcare creates the future of pet well‑being through medical excellence, innovative technology, and a connected community of teams and partners. Today, its network of 360+ primary, emergency, and specialty hospitals across the U.S. cares for pets of all ages and health needs. Thrive invests in its people—through mentorship, leadership programs, continuing education, and well‑being initiatives—so teams can grow and feel supported. For pet owners, convenient solutions such as a mobile app, digital booking, Thrive PlusTM membership, HereFurYou Helpline, an online pharmacy and flexible financial options* make accessing quality care simpler— giving families the peace of mind their pets deserve.

Thrive Pet Healthcare has been recognized by Top Workplaces with Culture Excellence Awards for Purpose & Values and Work-Life Flexibility. The Purpose & Values award reflects organizations that consistently live what they stand for, brought to life at Thrive through our commitment to shaping the future of pet wellbeing and our core values. These values guide how we work and how we care for pets, clients, and one another. The Work-Life Flexibility award recognizes our focus on making meaningful work sustainable, supporting our teams in balancing professional impact with life outside of work.

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether. Learn more at thrivepetcare.com.