Veterinary Assistant, Emergency

Ethos Veterinary Health; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

CE allowance

Paid time off

401k with match

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Ethos Veterinary Health seeks a Veterinary Assistant for Emergency in Tacoma, WA. Day shifts with 10-hour or 12-hour options and on-call rotation after training. You will assist veterinarians, monitor patients, administer medications, perform in-house labs, and help with imaging while maintaining accurate records.

The role requires 2+ years in veterinary care, strong communication, and teamwork. Competitive compensation with shift differentials and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years veterinary experience.
• Knowledge of veterinary terminology, anatomy and pharmacology.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced emergency setting.
• Collaborative team player with reliable, detail‑oriented work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians in diagnosis and treatment of critically ill and injured animals
• Monitor vital signs and report abnormalities to veterinarians
• Administer PO medications, fluids, treatments, and procedures as directed
• Perform in-house lab work
• Assist with advanced imaging (X-ray/Echocardiogram/Fluoroscopy/Ultrasound)
• Obtain and record patient histories, and maintain accurate medical records
• Prepare prescriptions and communicate discharge orders
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams
• Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture

Skills

Veterinary terminology

Anatomy knowledge

Pharmacology

ER/ICU experience

Team collaboration

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Emergency

Hourly pay range: $20.00–$28.00 + Shift Differentials

Opportunity in Tacoma / South Puget Sound, WA

Schedule: Day Shift. 10-hour shifts 4 times per week or 12-hour shifts 3 times per week. On-call shift rotation required once trained.

We are currently seeking Veterinary Assistants to join our Emergency team. As a Veterinary Assistant, you will be responsible for providing high-quality medical care to both pets and their owners while working with your team. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, be adaptable, have a positive attitude, and a passion for animal care.

In your day-to-day, you will:

• Assist veterinarians in diagnosis and treatment of critically ill and injured animals
• Monitor the vital signs of patients and report any abnormalities to veterinarians
• Administer PO medications, fluids, treatments, and procedures as directed by veterinarians
• Perform in-house lab work
• Assist with advanced imaging (X-ray/Echocardiogram/Fluoroscopy/Ultrasound)
• Obtain and record patient histories, and maintain accurate medical records
• Prepare prescriptions and communicate discharge orders
• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams
• Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture

What You Bring

• Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, and pharmacology
• Prior veterinary experience required (minimum 2 years); experience working in ER/ICU or Specialty preferred, but will train the right person
• Current WA state medclerk license preferred, but not required
• Ability to work quickly and accurately in an often chaotic and stressful environment
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care; team player, detail-oriented, reliable, dependable, and trustworthy

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including shift differentials ($3/hr Mon–Thurs, $5/hr Fri–Sun for hours worked within 6p–6a)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• CE allowance and professional development support
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings options (401k with employer match)
• Comprehensive benefits package

Location Highlight

Tacoma sits at the gateway to the South Puget Sound, offering easy access to Mount Rainier, Puget Sound waterways, and a revitalized downtown with a growing food and arts scene. With Seattle just 30–40 minutes north, you get small-city affordability and character alongside big-city amenities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.