Veterinary Assistant-Emergency

Thrive San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

4x10 schedule

401(k) with employer match

Mental health resources

Paid parental leave

Purr-ental leave

Subsidized backup childcare

FREE CE courses

Pet perks

Student loan support tools

Job summary

Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists in San Antonio, TX, seeks a Veterinary Assistant for our 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital. You will support triage, diagnostics, inpatient care, and procedures, working with a collaborative team in a fast-paced ER.

This full-time position offers 4x10 schedules with day, swing, or overnight shifts; a $2,500 sign-on bonus for experienced assistants; training and growth opportunities through ThriveU and leadership programs.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant (emergency/urgent care experience preferred)
• Strong technical skills (venipuncture, IV catheter placement, radiographic positioning, drug calculations)
• 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

Vet experience

Venipuncture

IV catheter

Radiographic positioning

Drug calculations

Animal restraint

Basic veterinary practices

Computer tools

Communication

Teamwork

Shift flexibility

Tools

Practice software

Job description

Description

Veterinary Assistant – Emergency Critical Care

Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists

2426 Ceegee St, San Antonio, TX 78217

$2,500 sign-on bonus for experienced Veterinary Assistants

Full-time: 4x10 schedule (day, swing, or overnight shifts available)

About You

Join a fast-paced 24-hour ER and specialty hospital where you’ll support triage, diagnostics, inpatient care, and procedures for patients who need help now. You’ll work side-by-side with a collaborative team to keep patient flow moving and deliver calm, compassionate care across day, swing, or overnight shifts.

We’ll support your growth with training, teamwork, and the resources you need to do your best work in emergency medicine.

Your Experience & Skills

• 2+ years of experience as a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant (emergency/urgent care experience preferred)
• Strong technical skills (e.g., venipuncture, IV catheter placement, radiographic positioning, and drug calculations)
• 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

You’ll Grow with Us

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 – our care in action

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, while portfolio companies provide tools and technology that help veterinary teams work smarter and deliver better care. 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.

We welcome you to join our story and join where #WeThriveTogether.

#ZR