Veterinary Technician Assistant - Emergency

COVE Animal Health; Plymouth Township (PA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retention bonus after 1 year

Education Assistance Program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital in Plymouth Meeting, PA, seeks an Emergency Veterinary Assistant to support our emergency department, assist with restraint, set up treatments, and help veterinarians deliver rapid, high‑quality care.

This full‑time position includes a starting wage of $17.00 per hour, holidays, generous PTO, education assistance, and a $2,000 retention bonus after one year, reflecting our culture of growth and teamwork in animal care.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a veterinary, animal care, or shelter environment.
• Solid communication skills, especially under pressure.
• Basic knowledge of animal handling and terminology.
• Calm, organized demeanor with multitasking ability.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in medical records.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support during emergency procedures, assisting with restraint and basic treatments.
• Prepare and restock treatment areas; ensure equipment is clean and organized.
• Communicate compassionately with pet owners and guide them to the appropriate team member.
• Perform basic laboratory tasks and collect vital data under supervision.
• Collaborate with emergency technicians and doctors to support rapid, high-quality care.

Skills

Emergency experience

Communication under pressure

Animal handling basics

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM OF
PASSIONATE AND
DEDICATED
PROFESSIONALS!

Positions are available at all of the hospitals within the COVE Veterinary network. You’ll have the opportunity to practice the highest level of care, along with great benefits and a supportive work environment.

Explore many exciting opportunities with COVE!

COVE’s five respected regional brands offer positions for all veterinary professionals in Connecticut, Massachusetts/Rhode Island, Maine, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Veterinary Technician Assistant - Emergency

Are you passionate about helping animals and eager to grow your clinical skills in a fast-paced environment? At Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital (HVSH), we recognize that our Emergency Veterinary Technician Assistants are essential team members who help ensure our patients receive urgent, life-saving care. If you thrive under pressure, love problem‑solving, and enjoy collaborating with a dedicated team, this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

We're excited to offer a $2,000 retention bonus once you hit your one-year anniversary with us. This is our way of saying welcome aboard and thank you for growing with our team!

Our Mission

Rooted in over six decades of veterinary excellence, our mission is to enhance the lives of pets and their families by delivering thoughtful, collaborative, and high-quality care. If you’re passionate about mentorship, communication, and supporting both clients and coworkers, we’d love to connect with you.

Who We Are

Located in Plymouth Meeting, PA, Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital is a multi-service animal hospital offering general practice, specialty services, 24/7 emergency care, boarding, grooming, daycare, and rehabilitation. We’re known for our long-standing commitment to client relationships, high-quality medicine, and a team-first culture where every voice matters.

What You’ll Do

As an Emergency Veterinary Assistant at HVSH, you will play a key role in supporting our emergency department, helping our technicians and veterinarians provide rapid, high-quality care. In this position, you will:

• Provide hands‑on support during emergency procedures—helping with patient restraint, positioning, and basic treatments.
• Prepare and restock treatment areas with necessary supplies and ensure equipment is clean, organized, and readily available.
• Communicate compassionately with pet parents—answer basic questions, direct them to the appropriate team member, and offer a comforting presence during stressful times.
• Perform basic laboratory tasks, such as setting up samples for testing and collecting vital patient data under the guidance of a technician or veterinarian.
• Collaborate with emergency technicians and doctors, sharing crucial updates and contributing to an efficient, team-oriented work environment.

We don’t just get through the workday; we embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with providing emergency care. You’ll be surrounded by professionals who share your commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for animal welfare.

Anticipated Schedule

This is a full‑time position with the following available schedule:

4 - 10 hours shifts

Shifts range from 6a-9p

Please note that some holidays are required.

Compensation

• Starting at $17.00/hour

What’s in It for You?

At HVSH, we take care of our team in the same way we care for our patients—wholeheartedly. We offer:

• Supportive culture with social events & team-building activities
• Competitive paid time off & holiday pay
• Education Assistance Program & tuition reimbursement
• Career growth & training opportunities to help you advance your skills and knowledge supported by our dedicated Education and Development team.
• Continuing education paid time off and allowance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health-focused services to ensure you thrive both personally and professionally
• 401(k) plan with a strong employer match
• Annual uniform allowance so you’re always prepared for the next case
• A workplace where you’ll feel valued, heard, and excited to come to work each day

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking Emergency Veterinary Assistants who excel in a dynamic setting and find fulfillment in helping pets in need. You likely have:

• Previous experience in a veterinary, animal care, or shelter environment (preferred, but not required if you have a strong desire to learn)
• Solid communication skills, especially under pressure, and a keen ability to collaborate in a team-focused environment
• Basic knowledge of animal handling, restraint, and common veterinary terminology (or a willingness to learn quickly)
• A calm, organized demeanor—capable of juggling multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy when handling medical records, supplies, and patient care
• A passion for continuous learning, welcoming every shift as a chance to refine your skills and knowledge