ER Doctor; NERD Program Practicing Veterinarians - Hill, CA

New ER Doctor (NERD) Program:
Starts April 2026, Practicing Veterinarians - Pleasant Hill, CA

Join the New ER Doctor (NERD) Program and transform your practice into a career in veterinary emergency medicine at VEG ER for Pets. The program starts in April 2026 from our Pleasant Hill, CA location.

VEG was founded in 2014 to help people and their pets when they need it most. We've built a nationwide network of 24/7, 365‑day hospitals designed to deliver a superior emergency experience for patients, families, and staff alike.

The six‑month NERD program immerses practicing veterinarians in the fast‑paced world of ER. Participants receive structured clinical training, individualized mentorship, and academic courses that cover surgery, advanced diagnostics, endoscopy, exotic care, and a patient‑centered approach to communication. Successful graduates transition to full‑time ER roles at VEG hospitals.

• Mentored by experienced VEG doctors through real ER cases—hands‑on learning with constant feedback.
• Work 3–4 hospital shifts per week (days, swings, and nights) while attending weekly case discussions, literature reviews, and hands‑on training.
• Learn client‑centered communication and the VEG Way.

Earn over 160 RACE‑approved CE hours in just six months—an effort usually requiring a decade. Highlights include:

• Abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac point‑of‑care ultrasound
• Exotic companion animal care in ER settings
• Flexible GI endoscopy
• Small animal emergency surgery
• Critical care laboratory techniques
• ALS & BLS Rescuer CPR certification

• A passion for helping people and their pets
• Valid DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree
• 1+ year of veterinary practice
• Desire to live and breathe emergency medicine
• Valid veterinary license and DEA registration in the program state by start date
• Physical ability to stand, kneel, lift up to 25 kg, and support up to 40 kg with assistance
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating schedule
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, diverse environment
• Commitment to a consecutive six‑month schedule

• Empathetic, people‑centric, and supportive of colleagues
• Humble, acknowledges mistakes, shares credit, and lifts team achievements
• Owns work, takes responsibility, and stays committed to long‑term impact
• Curious, asks insightful questions, and proactively seeks learning opportunities
• Open to providing references during the application process
• Prepared for possible relocation; post‑graduation placement guarantees an ER role at a VEG hospital of choice

VEG invests $100,000 over six months through competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, CE, travel stipend, equity after one year, student‑loan repayment, parental leave, flexible scheduling, and wellness perks.

• Competitive salary & benefits effective day one
• 160+ hours of CE and many learning opportunities
• Equity after one year of full‑time employment
• Student‑loan repayment (after first year)
• Free exams and 50 % off VEG treatments
• Pet bereavement leave
• Paid parental leave up to 10 weeks at 100 % pay; inclusive fertility and family‑building care
• Flexible work schedules
• Generous referral program
• Comfy scrubs, VEG swag, and office food supplies

We celebrate diversity, creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to equitable career growth, inclusive decision‑making, and valuing all perspectives. Join us in building a veterinary emergency workforce that reflects the communities we serve.