Veterinary Assistant (ER & CC) - Veterinary Referral Associates

Vravet; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Parental Leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

Calm app access and 24/7 EAP

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers' Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking an Emergency & Critical Care Registered Veterinary Assistant to join the team. The role supports hospital operations with patient care, triage, and nursing duties in a high-volume setting.

The practice operates 24/7 with AAHA accreditation, offering a range of specialty services and a culture of care that supports staff wellbeing. 3 shifts per week and monthly on-call are required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in an emergency room setting.
• IV placement and maintenance, phlebotomy, radiology, in-house lab work.
• Clear and concise communication with clients and doctors/staff.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

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.

Skills

ER experience

Technician skills

Phlebotomy

Radiology

Communication skills

Job description

Veterinary Assistant (ER & CC) - Veterinary Referral Associates

PetVet Care Centers' Veterinary Referral Associatesis currently seeking an Emergency & Critical Care Registered Veterinary Assistantto 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.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• 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 Assistantwho 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 aCulture 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

Why Consider Our Gaithersburg Hospital?

At Veterinary Referral Associates, our team members all share the same passion for making and keeping animals healthy.

Our hospital truly is an excellent place to work, with a highly skilled team focused on 'best in practice' veterinary care.

We are very supportive of individuals looking to grow their veterinary careers and look forward to hearing from you.

We invite you to explore your veterinary career options with Veterinary Referral Associates, where you'll be a respected member of a team that loves animals and values the contributions from every individual on the team.