Veterinary Assistant (ER & CC) - Veterinary Referral Associates

PetVet Care Centers; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Parental leave

401(k) plan

Pet discounts

Wellbeing resources

CE stipends

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers’ Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, MD seeks an Emergency & Critical Care Registered Veterinary Assistant to join our team. You will support hospital operations, deliver quality veterinary care, and provide exceptional client service.

Join a nationally recognized specialty hospital with 24/7 emergency care and a broad range of services. Expect a collaborative, inclusive environment that prioritizes wellbeing and professional growth for our team.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in an emergency room setting and basic technician skills.
• Clear and concise communication with clients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform patient triage and prioritize care.
• Vital sign assessments, IV placement, phlebotomy, radiology.
• Administer meds, dosages, nursing care.
• Educate clients and advocate for patients.
• Assist with advanced procedures (ventilator, central line, chest tube, oxygen, CPR, ECG).

Skills

Patient care

Vital signs

Phlebotomy

Radiology

IV placement

Client communication

Team collaboration

Tools

Central line placement

Ventilator support

Chest tube maintenance

Oxygen administration

CPR

ECG monitoring

Blood transfusions

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Veterinary Referral Associates is currently seeking an Emergency & Critical Care Registered Veterinary Assistant 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.

• 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 a Veterinary Assistant who supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to our patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.

Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, Maryland has earned national recognition as one of the most established and respected specialty veterinary and emergency hospitals in the country — seeing cases from across Maryland and as far as Pennsylvania, with 24/7 emergency care available without an appointment every day of the year including holidays. The hospital is AAHA-accredited and offers an extraordinary breadth of specialty services including dermatology, internal medicine, oncology, surgery, diagnostic imaging, feline radioactive iodine hyperthyroid therapy, and a board-certified veterinary criticalist for life‑threatening conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform patient triage and prioritize care.
• Conduct vital sign assessments, IV placement, phlebotomy, and radiology.
• Administer medications, calculate dosages, and provide nursing care.
• Communicate with clients, educate them, and advocate for patients.
• Handle advanced procedures such as ventilator support, central line placement, chest tube maintenance, oxygen administration, CPR, blood transfusions, and ECG monitoring.

We have board-certified specialists in Anesthesiology, Critical Care, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Surgery, Medical and Radiation Oncology, Physical Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. We actively promote cross training in all departments.

Qualifications (Required)

• 2+ years' experience in an emergency room setting, strong basic technician skills (IVC placement and maintenance, phlebotomy, radiology, process in‑house lab work, clear and concise communication with clients and doctors/staff).
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

Schedule:

• 3, 13‑hour shifts per week (Day, Swing & Overnight shifts available!)
• Monthly hospital‑wide on‑call required

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

Pay Range

$23—$38 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture 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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