Entry Level Emergency Veterinary Assistant Jobs
New grad emergency veterinary assistant jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with little to no experience, where a strong internship background or hands-on volunteer work at a clinic can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Animal Care & Pet Services, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Consumer Goods, with employers like VCA Animal Hospitals, Ethos Veterinary Health, and MedVet hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 18+ Entry Level Emergency Veterinary Assistant jobs
Under general supervision of the Emergency and Critical Care Service Manager, Service Chief, and Shift Supervisors, provide emergency and critical care nursing to small animal patients and technical support to clinicians, staff and students. Provide support for the emergency service by receiving and triaging phone calls from clients and other services in the VMTH. Assist with reviewing patient charges and estimates.
This position ends 6 months from date of hire with the possibility of extension.
RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the apply by date.
Apply By Date
11/12/2026 by 11:59 pm
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Must possess a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) or obtain within 3 months of date of hire.
- No Minimum Education required.
- Experience providing nursing care to small animal emergency patients.
- Experience working in a small animal clinic as a veterinary technician or as a veterinary assistant.
- Experience giving medications.
- Experience using patient monitoring equipment.
- Experience drawing blood samples.
- Interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to interact with a diverse group of students, staff, clinicians and clients and the skill to recognize and manage difficult situations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current California Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license.
- Knowledge of common hospital pathogens and methods of disinfection.
- Ability to perform the laboratory test utilizing the appropriate equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- 50% - Patient Triage and Patient Case
- 40% - Patient Care
- 10% - Instruction and Training
Department Overview
The Small Animal Patient Critical Care and Emergency Service Medicine Service at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital provides 24/7 for cats and dogs. Veterinarians and Technicians are on duty around the clock to monitor and care for patients. Our board-certified faculty specialists lead the team and provide the highest level of critical care. One of the goals of the service is to provide immediate initial recognition, evaluation and care of patients with acute illness and injury, and continued care for critically ill patients. Our specialists strive to pursue the extension and preservation of life, and to promote the well-being of our patients through the relief of suffering and restoration of health. To achieve our goals, the ICU is staffed by a team of board-certified faculty specialists in critical care, staff veterinarians, resident veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students. Many of our technicians are members of the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians (membership is granted by specialty-certifying examination). The service is always open to direct patient care to direct patient care and consult as needed.
Want to be part of the most innovative veterinary team in the country? We are looking for a Small Animal Emergency Service Veterinary Triage Technician to work alongside our world leading faculty clinicians and technicians, helping them teach the next generation of veterinarians while also serving the animals and pet owners of our community.
As part of the top ranked UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital team, our limited technicians are provided the following benefits:
COMPENSATION
- Competitive pay
- Shift Differentials
- On-Call pay for eligible positions
- $100 monthly stipend for RVTs
0ther BENEFITS
- Wellness and on-site Employee Assistance Program
- Scrubs provided and laundered at no cost to the employee
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $29.76 - $38.97
- Salary Frequency: Hourly
- Salary Grade: 214
- UC Job Title: ANML HEALTH TCHN 2 VMTH
- UC Job Code: 004751
- Appointment Type: Staff: Limited
- Percentage of Time: 40% Variable
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Sunday, 4:00pm-5:00am.
- Location: Davis, Ca
- Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Work occasional overtime; work weekends, evenings, holidays and variable hours. In emergency or illness situations, may work alternate shift. Use a respirator during decontamination cleanings. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Work under regular exposure to zoonotic diseases, anesthesia, cleaning chemicals and exposure to radioactive patients. Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers. Work with or around areas with sick animals, hazardous materials, and/or infectious diseases, and distraught clients.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
Under general supervision of the Emergency and Critical Care Service Manager, Service Chief, and Shift Supervisors, provide emergency and critical care nursing to small animal patients and technical support to clinicians, staff and students. Provide support for the emergency service by receiving and triaging phone calls from clients and other services in the VMTH. Assist with reviewing patient charges and estimates.
This position ends 6 months from date of hire with the possibility of extension.
RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the apply by date.
Apply By Date
11/12/2026 by 11:59 pm
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Must possess a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) or obtain within 3 months of date of hire.
- No Minimum Education required.
- Experience providing nursing care to small animal emergency patients.
- Experience working in a small animal clinic as a veterinary technician or as a veterinary assistant.
- Experience giving medications.
- Experience using patient monitoring equipment.
- Experience drawing blood samples.
- Interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to interact with a diverse group of students, staff, clinicians and clients and the skill to recognize and manage difficult situations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current California Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license.
- Knowledge of common hospital pathogens and methods of disinfection.
- Ability to perform the laboratory test utilizing the appropriate equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- 50% - Patient Triage and Patient Case
- 40% - Patient Care
- 10% - Instruction and Training
Department Overview
The Small Animal Patient Critical Care and Emergency Service Medicine Service at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital provides 24/7 for cats and dogs. Veterinarians and Technicians are on duty around the clock to monitor and care for patients. Our board-certified faculty specialists lead the team and provide the highest level of critical care. One of the goals of the service is to provide immediate initial recognition, evaluation and care of patients with acute illness and injury, and continued care for critically ill patients. Our specialists strive to pursue the extension and preservation of life, and to promote the well-being of our patients through the relief of suffering and restoration of health. To achieve our goals, the ICU is staffed by a team of board-certified faculty specialists in critical care, staff veterinarians, resident veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students. Many of our technicians are members of the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians (membership is granted by specialty-certifying examination). The service is always open to direct patient care to direct patient care and consult as needed.
Want to be part of the most innovative veterinary team in the country? We are looking for a Small Animal Emergency Service Veterinary Triage Technician to work alongside our world leading faculty clinicians and technicians, helping them teach the next generation of veterinarians while also serving the animals and pet owners of our community.
As part of the top ranked UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital team, our limited technicians are provided the following benefits:
COMPENSATION
- Competitive pay
- Shift Differentials
- On-Call pay for eligible positions
- $100 monthly stipend for RVTs
0ther BENEFITS
- Wellness and on-site Employee Assistance Program
- Scrubs provided and laundered at no cost to the employee
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $29.76 - $38.97
- Salary Frequency: Hourly
- Salary Grade: 214
- UC Job Title: ANML HEALTH TCHN 2 VMTH
- UC Job Code: 004751
- Appointment Type: Staff: Limited
- Percentage of Time: 40% Variable
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Sunday, 4:00pm-5:00am.
- Location: Davis, Ca
- Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Work occasional overtime; work weekends, evenings, holidays and variable hours. In emergency or illness situations, may work alternate shift. Use a respirator during decontamination cleanings. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Work under regular exposure to zoonotic diseases, anesthesia, cleaning chemicals and exposure to radioactive patients. Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including: gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves and head covers. Work with or around areas with sick animals, hazardous materials, and/or infectious diseases, and distraught clients.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
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Find JobsEntry Level Emergency Veterinary Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services12
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Consumer Goods2
- Education1
Entry Level Emergency Veterinary Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level emergency veterinary assistant job?
Start by gaining hands-on experience through volunteer work at a shelter, a veterinary clinic internship, or a veterinary assistant certificate program, since most emergency practices prioritize demonstrated animal handling skills over prior paid work. Highlighting CPR certification for animals, comfort with high-stress environments, and any exposure to triage or overnight shifts gives entry level candidates a real edge when applying.
Which companies hire entry level emergency veterinary assistants?
Companies hiring entry level emergency veterinary assistants right now include VCA Animal Hospitals, Ethos Veterinary Health, and MedVet, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Emergency specialty hospitals, 24-hour veterinary clinics, and regional animal care chains tend to hire most actively at this level, as they have the staffing volume and training infrastructure to bring on new graduates and junior candidates.
Are there remote entry level emergency veterinary assistant jobs?
Yes, though the role is primarily hands-on and most openings require on-site presence. About 0% of entry level emergency veterinary assistant openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve client communications, medical records support, or telehealth triage assistance rather than direct patient care.
Are these new grad emergency veterinary assistant jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior emergency veterinary assistant roles. A new grad-friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship or volunteer work in lieu of paid history, and does not require prior emergency-specific credentials, making them well suited for candidates coming straight out of a veterinary assistant program or related coursework.
Which industries hire the most entry level emergency veterinary assistants?
Entry Level emergency veterinary assistant roles concentrate in Animal Care & Pet Services, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Consumer Goods, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they operate around the clock and rely on a steady pipeline of new graduates and junior staff to fill overnight, weekend, and on-call shifts that more experienced technicians often prefer to avoid.