Veterinary Assistant, Emergency

Ethos Veterinary Health; West Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education access

VetBloom access

Shoe stipend

Scrubs provided

License reimbursement

Shift differential

PTO

Health insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Ethos Veterinary Health is seeking an Emergency Veterinary Assistant in West Springfield, MA. The role supports doctors, technicians, and specialty teams in a fast-paced hospital environment, with duties spanning patient care, restraint, and client communication.

The position offers full-time hours with rotating shifts and competitive hourly compensation of $17–$19 per hour, plus shift differentials and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant is required.
• Emergency or specialty veterinary experience is preferred.
• Able to work in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Skilled in patient restraint and general veterinary assisting duties.
• Excellent communication and client service skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist doctors and technicians with patient examinations and treatments.
• Safely restrain patients for exams, treatments, diagnostics, and procedures.
• Obtain patient histories and assist with intake and discharge processes.
• Prepare exam and treatment areas and equipment.
• Record patient vitals (temp, pulse, respiration, weight).
• Assist with radiographs and other diagnostics.
• Fill prescriptions and review discharge instructions.
• Communicate with clients in person, by phone, and email.
• Maintain clean patient wards, cages, and exam rooms.
• Feed, walk, bathe, and monitor hospitalized patients.
• Assist with hospital admissions and patient ID accuracy.
• Stock supplies and assist with deliveries.
• Maintain accurate medical records in the system.
• Support fast-paced emergency and specialty team with care.

Skills

Experience as Veterinary Assistant

Patient restraint

Communication skills

Team-oriented

Fluent English

Job description

Veterinary Assistant, Emergency | $17–$19/hr

Location: West Springfield, MA

Schedule: Full-Time | Rotating Schedule

Compensation: $17–$19/hour + Shift Differentials

Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH) in West Springfield, MA is hiring a Veterinary Assistant to join our Emergency and Specialty team. This full-time Veterinary Assistant opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on patient care, a fast‑paced hospital environment, and working alongside experienced veterinary professionals.

As an Emergency Veterinary Assistant at VESH, you’ll support doctors, Veterinary Technicians, and specialty teams while helping provide exceptional care for emergency and hospitalized patients.

Compensation

• $17–$19/hour based on experience and skills assessment
• Shift Differentials:
  • 4:30pm–12:30a: Base +$2/hour

Full-Time Benefits

• Continuing Education + Free VetBloom access (RACE-approved CE)
• Paid Shoe Stipend & Scrubs provided (free to you!)
• CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement
• RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills
• Veterinary Technician Education Sponsorships + VTNE reimbursement + VTS Support
• 16-Week VTNE Study Group
• Professional Development Assistance
• PTO + Sick Time
• Employee Referral Bonuses + Employee Pet Discount + Immediate Family Pet Discount
• Access exclusive financial benefits to help you save on student loans, mortgages, and personal loans
• NVA Pet Resort Discount + Pet Insurance Discount
• Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA Options
• Insurance Options: Life and AD&D + Short & Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness + Accident + Hospital Indemnity
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule

• Four 9-hour shifts per week
• Rotating schedule including days, evenings, nights, and weekends

Responsibilities

• Assist doctors and technicians with all aspects of patient examinations and treatments
• Safely restrain patients for exams, treatments, diagnostics, and procedures
• Obtain patient histories and assist with intake and discharge processes
• Prepare exam and treatment areas, including equipment setup and cleanup
• Take and record patient vitals including temperature, pulse, respiration, and weight
• Assist with radiographs and other diagnostic procedures
• Fill prescriptions and review discharge instructions with clients
• Communicate with clients in person, by phone, and via email
• Maintain clean and organized patient wards, cages, treatment spaces, and exam rooms
• Feed, walk, bathe, and monitor hospitalized patients
• Assist with hospital admissions and ensure accurate patient identification
• Stock supplies throughout the hospital and assist with deliveries
• Maintain accurate patient medical records in the medical record system
• Support a fast-paced emergency and specialty team with excellent patient care and teamwork

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant required
• Emergency or specialty veterinary experience preferred
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment
• Skilled in patient restraint and general veterinary assisting duties
• Strong communication and client service skills
• Dependable, compassionate, and team-oriented
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn and jump in where needed
• Ability to maintain a respectful, collaborative hospital culture
• Eager to continue developing technical and patient care skills
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

About Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital (VESH)

We are a 24‑hour, VECCS Level 2 Certified, state‑of‑the‑art Emergency + Specialty veterinary hospital.

Like human medical specialists, VESH supports primary care veterinarians with the evaluation and treatment of pets affected by trauma, chronic issues, serious illness, or unusual disorders requiring advanced training, while also providing critical and emergency veterinary care.

We offer a variety of specialty services including Advanced Imaging (CT), Internal Medicine, Surgery, Medical Oncology, and Emergency and Critical Care.

At VESH, you’ll join a collaborative team committed to exceptional medicine, compassionate care, and continued learning. Every role in our hospital contributes to improving the lives of pets and the families who love them.

Surrounding Areas

• Springfield, MA & Chicopee, MA
• Holyoke, MA & Longmeadow, MA
• Agawam, MA & Northampton, MA
• Amherst, MA & Enfield, CT
• Suffield, CT & Hartford, CT

This location offers access to a broad veterinary talent market across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.

Considering Relocating?

Great talent can come from anywhere, and we welcome candidates who are considering a move. Whether you're relocating from another city, another state, or across the country, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you throughout the hiring process and answer questions about the role, the hospital, and the surrounding community.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world‑class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic‑caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two‑way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

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.