Overnight ER Veterinary Assistant

Department: Veterinary Assistants

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Compensation: $20.00 - $22.00 / hour

Veterinary Assistant - Emergency Department

Are you passionate about helping animals when they need it most? Virginia Veterinary Specialty & Emergency is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our ER Department. This is your chance to be part of a highly skilled team that provides life‑saving care and supports families 24/7.

As a Veterinary Assistant in our Emergency Department, you will work alongside veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) to provide hands‑on patient care and ensure smooth hospital operations. This position combines direct animal care, client support, and hospital upkeep‑making it ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, rewarding veterinary environment.

• Full-time schedule:
  Overnight, 3 x 12-hour shifts, 7 pm - 7 am
• Dedicated to our Emergency Department (nights, weekends, and holidays may be required)
• Opportunities for skill development and collaboration with experienced doctors, LVTs, and other assistants

• Assist veterinarians and technicians with emergency examinations, treatments, and procedures
• Triage incoming patients and gather pertinent patient information
• Safely restrain patients during examinations, diagnostics, and treatments
• Monitor hospitalized patients
• Obtain and record patient vital signs, weights, and treatment updates
• Assist with diagnostic procedures including bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound preparation, and sample collection
• Prepare treatment areas, equipment, and supplies for emergency procedures
• Administer medications and treatments as permitted by state regulations and hospital protocols
• Maintain accurate medical records and treatment logs
• Support client communication by providing updates and ensuring a compassionate experience during stressful situations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked treatment area
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional patient care

• At least 1 year of experience in veterinary medicine
• Dependable, motivated, and detail-oriented
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Excellent cleaning and organizational abilities
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs safely

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee discounts on veterinary services
• Flexible scheduling options
• 401(k) with company match
• Annual CE allowance
• Uniform allowance
• Career development and hands‑on training opportunities

Virginia Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, located in Charlottesville, VA, is a full-service veterinary hospital providing 24/7 emergency services and advanced specialty care for dogs and cats . We partner closely with the general practice community to provide personalized, coordinated care. In addition to emergency services, we offer board-certified specialists in internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, and oncology as well as a rehabilitation department and are always looking to expand our specialty services to better serve our community's pets.

From our state‑of‑the‑art medical facility to our highly skilled team, we're dedicated to giving your canine and feline companions the best possible care.

Virginia Veterinary Specialty & Emergency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non‑merit factor. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.