ER Doctor; NERD Program Practicing Veterinarians - Santa Clarita, CA

New ER Doctor (NERD) Program:
Start July 2026 | Santa Clarita, CA

VEG ER for Pets invites practicing veterinarians to join our New ER Doctor (NERD) Program
, a six‑month immersive training that prepares candidates for full‑time ER roles. This program is open to DVM/VMD holders with at least one year of practice.

ABOUT VEG
In 2014, VEG was founded to revolutionize the emergency‑care experience for pets and their owners. Our hospitals operate 24/7, 365 days a year and are dedicated to high‑quality, client‑focused care. VEG is a certified Great Place to Work® in 2025 and 2026, and we prioritize employee growth and mentorship.

THE PROGRAM
The NERD program transforms non‑emergency vets into confident ER doctors through structured clinical rotations, academic modules, and individualized mentorship. Participants work 3–4 hospital shifts per week, attend weekly case discussions, and gain hands‑on training in surgery, endoscopy, ultrasounds, exotics, and critical care. Completion of the program leads to full‑time ER employment at VEG.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Work side‑by‑side with experienced VEG doctors on real ER cases, receiving guidance every step of the way.
• Complete 3–4 hospital shifts per week, as well as weekly case discussions and literature reviews.
• Apply best practices for client communication and care, the VEG Way.

CE EXPERIENCES

• Abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac point‑of‑care ultrasound
• Exotic companion animal care in the ER
• Flexible GI endoscopy
• Small‑animal emergency surgery
• Small‑animal critical‑care lab
• RECOVER ALS and BLS Rescuer CPR certification (all funded by VEG)

WHAT YOU NEED

• Valid DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree with 1+ year of practice.
• A passion for helping people and their pets.
• Desire to work in emergency medicine.
• Valid state veterinary license and DEA registration at or before program start.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods, kneel, lift up to 25 kg independently, and support up to 40 kg with assistance.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating schedule.
• Commitment to a consecutive six‑month internship.

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, people‑centric, and supportive of colleagues.
• Humble, acknowledges mistakes, shares credit, and celebrates team achievements.
• Owners of their work with a strong sense of responsibility.
• Curious, asks insightful questions, and seeks continuous learning.

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Competitive compensation and benefits starting day one.
• 160+ RACE‑approved CE hours during the six‑month program.
• Equity after one year of full‑time employment.
• Student‑loan repayment after first year.
• Paid parental leave, 10 weeks at 100% salary, inclusive fertility support.
• Pet bereavement leave.
• Free exams and 50% off VEG treatments.
• Paid travel stipend and unlimited ER CE.
• Generous referral program.
• Comfy scrubs, VEG swag, and on‑site food.

DEI
We believe diversity fuels innovation. VEG is committed to providing equitable opportunities, inclusive decision‑making, and a supportive environment for all employees. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.