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How much do emergency veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency veterinary assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an emergency veterinary assistant?

Emergency Veterinary Assistants are trained professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal emergency and critical care settings. They help with tasks such as restraining animals, preparing medical equipment, assisting during procedures, monitoring patients, and communicating with pet owners. Their role is crucial in providing timely care to animals experiencing urgent medical issues, ensuring smooth operation of the clinic or hospital, and supporting the veterinary team during high-pressure situations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an emergency veterinary assistant?

To thrive as an Emergency Veterinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal care, basic medical procedures, and experience in a veterinary or animal care setting, often supported by a veterinary assistant certification. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, medical equipment, and laboratory tools is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for providing effective support to veterinarians and ensuring the well-being of animals in fast-paced emergency situations.

What are common challenges faced by emergency veterinary assistants during overnight or weekend shifts?

Emergency Veterinary Assistants working overnight or weekend shifts often encounter fast-paced environments with unpredictable caseloads. These shifts can be emotionally demanding due to the urgent and sometimes critical nature of cases that come in. Additionally, team members must quickly adapt to changing priorities, communicate effectively with veterinarians and pet owners, and maintain composure under pressure. Strong teamwork and resilience are essential for navigating these challenges and providing the best possible care for animal patients.

What is the difference between Emergency Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectEmergency Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsOn-the-job training, certification often preferredLicensed or certified, usually requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentEmergency clinics, urgent care settingsGeneral veterinary clinics, hospitals, emergency clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting in emergencies, basic patient care, client communicationPerforming diagnostics, assisting in surgeries, patient care

Emergency Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians both work in veterinary settings, but the assistant role typically involves more basic support and client interaction, often with less formal education. Technicians have specialized training and certification, allowing them to perform more complex medical tasks. Both roles are essential in emergency and general veterinary practices, but technicians usually handle more advanced procedures.

Can I be an emergency veterinary assistant with no experience?

Emergency veterinary assistants can often start with little or no prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are important, and some employers may require or prefer a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification programs are available to enhance skills and job prospects but are not always mandatory for entry-level positions.

Is it hard to get a job as an emergency veterinary assistant?

Securing a position as an emergency veterinary assistant can be competitive, as it often requires relevant experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments. Many employers prefer candidates with certification or training in animal care and emergency response, which can improve job prospects.

What cities are hiring for Emergency Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Emergency Veterinary Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Emergency Veterinary Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Emergency Veterinary Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Emergency Veterinary Assistant jobs?

For Emergency Veterinary Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Emergency Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Emergency Veterinary Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Overnight Veterinary Assistant, Emergency

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Ethos Veterinary Health
Veterinary Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Ethos Veterinary Healthexternal

$36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with triage and provide hands-on support for incoming emergency patients.

  • Monitor critically ill, hospitalized, recovering, and fractious patients.

  • Assist veterinarians and RVTs with emergency procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and patient stabilization.

Job description

Senior Veterinary Assistant - Emergency & Critical Care - Overnight
Up to $36.00/hour (DOE) + $5.50/hour Overnight Shift Differential
$6,000 Sign-On Bonus for Full-Time, New-to-SAGE Hires
Full-time opportunity in San Francisco, California
Schedule: Overnight | Four 10-hour shifts
Bring your advanced veterinary skills to the Emergency & Critical Care team at SAGE San Francisco. As an Overnight Senior Veterinary Assistant, you'll provide hands-on support for critically ill, injured, and hospitalized patients while working alongside emergency veterinarians, board-certified specialists, RVTs, and an experienced veterinary support team.
This position is designed for a seasoned Veterinary Assistant, Emergency Veterinary Assistant, Critical Care Veterinary Assistant, ICU Veterinary Assistant, or Specialty Veterinary Assistant with significant hands-on clinical experience who wants to continue advancing their technical skills.Why Join SAGE San Francisco
SAGE San Francisco is one of Northern California's premier specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals. Our Emergency & Critical Care team manages complex and challenging cases, providing experienced Veterinary Assistants with opportunities to strengthen their skills in emergency medicine, intensive patient care, diagnostics, anesthesia support, and patient stabilization.
You'll also have access to continuing education and professional development opportunities designed to help you grow your veterinary career, including support toward becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician.In Your Day-to-Day, You Will
  • Assist with triage and provide hands-on support for incoming emergency patients.
  • Monitor critically ill, hospitalized, recovering, and fractious patients.
  • Assist veterinarians and RVTs with emergency procedures, diagnostics, treatments, and patient stabilization.
  • Perform venipuncture, IV catheter placement, sample collection, and laboratory processing within your scope.
  • Assist with medications, IV fluids, CRIs, and prescribed treatments under appropriate supervision.
  • Support sedation and anesthesia monitoring and patient recovery.
  • Monitor patient comfort, vital parameters, and changes in condition and communicate concerns promptly.
  • Maintain accurate medical records and treatment documentation.
  • Assist with client communication and discharge education.
  • Collaborate closely with Emergency, Critical Care, and Specialty teams to provide exceptional patient care.
What You Bring
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum of three years of hands-on veterinary clinical experience.
  • Emergency, Critical Care, ICU, Specialty, or high-volume veterinary hospital experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong technical skills, including venipuncture, IV catheter placement, patient monitoring, and laboratory sample collection.
  • Experience with veterinary anesthesia and anesthetic monitoring preferred.
  • Strong mathematical skills for medication dosages, CRIs, client estimates, and invoices.
  • Excellent patient handling, communication, organization, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced emergency veterinary environment.
  • Must obtain and maintain a California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 60 days of hire or transfer.
Perks & Benefits
  • Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
  • 401(k), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), paid vacation, and sick leave
  • Annual Continuing Education (CE) allowance and VetBloom RACE-approved continuing education
  • Educational and professional development support toward RVT credentialing
  • Career milestone bonuses for earning your RVT or VTS
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and uniforms
  • Career advancement opportunities within Ethos Veterinary Health
Location Highlight
Located in San Francisco, SAGE is accessible to veterinary professionals throughout Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, San Mateo, Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, and surrounding Bay Area communities.About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class veterinary medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of more than 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary professionals while continuing to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.Join Us
If you're an experienced Senior Veterinary Assistant, Emergency Veterinary Assistant, ER Veterinary Assistant, Critical Care Veterinary Assistant, ICU Veterinary Assistant, or Specialty Veterinary Assistant with strong hands-on technical skills, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and continue building your expertise in emergency medicine, critical care, ICU nursing, anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, IV catheter placement, patient stabilization, and hospitalized patient care at SAGE San Francisco.Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

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