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Emergency Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Veterinary Assistant

Raleigh, NC

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Veterinary Assistants will collect thorough patient histories and document the patient visit in the EMRs. * Assist doctors with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and ...

Veterinary Assistant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Veterinary Assistants will collect thorough patient histories and document the patient visit in the EMRs. * Assist doctors with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and ...

Veterinary Assistant

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

Veterinary Assistants will collect thorough patient histories and document the patient visit in the EMRs. * Assist doctors with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and ...

EFAVC Veterinary Assistant

Raleigh, NC

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

Responsible for triage and treatment of emergency cseload. Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, animal handling, and restraint. Ensure compliance with all Infectious disease protocols.

Responsible for triage and treatment of emergency caseload. * Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, animal handling, and restraint. * Maintain supplies and equipment, including repair ...

Showing results 21-40

Emergency Veterinary Assistant information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do emergency veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency veterinary assistant in Raleigh, NC is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.46 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 near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Emergency Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Emergency Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Emergency Veterinary Assistant job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 65% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,858 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Raleigh, NC

Petco
Retail • 10K+ employees

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 643 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?


We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.


Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.


  • Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:


We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.


Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position inherently involves providing excellent medical care to our Vetco Total Care full-service hospital patients and phenomenal customer care to their owners. The Veterinary Assistant represents the mission and values to all clients. Our Veterinary Assistants set the tone for the technical and customer support in the hospital, and are responsible, like all team members, for fostering cohesion and motivation within the practice.

All hospital staff are responsible for performing their duties in a way that creates an environment in which:

  • The patient's needs always come first.

  • Every team member understands that they have the power to do what it takes to create an exceptional customer experience.

  • contentious issues are dealt with and resolved as they occur when possible, or as soon as is possible.

  • exceptional teamwork and commitment to shared goals benefits the entire organization.

Essential Job Functions

The incumbent must be able to perform all the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Greet clients and patients arriving for appointments and escort them into an exam room, obtain weight and vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations) and record the electronic medical record. Veterinary Assistants will collect thorough patient histories and document the patient visit in the EMRs.

  • Assist doctors with appointments (routine and emergency), surgery, dentistry, and euthanasia, under supervision from the veterinarian credentialed veterinary technician, , HOM and HLOD.

  • Perform patient restraint, obtain and process laboratory samples, handle and dispense medications at the direction of the veterinarian and help maintain the electronic medical record.

  • Schedule appointments, provide client education, relay test results to doctor and clients, and maintain and update client/patient records.

  • Help prepare patients for surgical and dental procedures and assist doctor and/or veterinary technician in anesthetizing patients. Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, assistants will maintain patients safely under anesthesia while monitoring vital parameters, help monitor patients during recovery and prepare them for hospital discharge or transfer to an overnight care facility.

  • Under supervision of the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, perform in-hospital treatments for sick patients including giving injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous fluid therapy; keep patients clean, watered, and fed (when indicated and directed by doctor), safely walk canine patients when necessary for elimination.

  • Under direction of the HOM/HLOD, assist in the training of new staff members and general dissemination of knowledge as required.

  • Keep hospital environment neat and clean; perform regular cleaning of environment based on necessity as well as based on a pre-determined maintenance schedule.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform additional duties as assigned

  • Provide backup phone and front desk support as needed

Nature of Supervision

In all activities related to the care of individual patients, the incumbent will take direct supervision from the veterinarians as well as the Veterinary Technician. For purposes of overall supervision, the incumbent takes direction from the HOM/HLOD or from the supervising technician for the shift.

Planning and Problem Solving

Like all team members, the Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring that day-to-day operation of the hospital is efficient and provides an optimal experience for our patients and clients.

Impact

This position will impact the organization by contributing to the growth of productive practice while focusing on a high-quality standard of care. From an overall hospital organizational standpoint, this position in critical to ensuring that we have a cohesive, well-trained, and motivated technical team. The desired end-result is the creation of an optimal environment that ensures employee retention, patient well-being, and customer satisfaction.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no immediate supervisory duties.

Education/Experience

  • Preferred to have at least 1-year previous experience working in veterinary practice or sufficient relatable animal care experience to ensure excellent performance at the above-listed skills

  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Must be compassionate and sympathetic, and be able to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor during emotional and stressful situations

  • Must have telephone and computer skills

  • Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments, offer creative ideas, and accept change

Work Environment:

The majority of job duties are conducted in the Veterinary Hospital. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with clients and their pets.

Contacts

This position will regularly communicate with clients, veterinary specialists, and companies that provide products and/or services that the practice utilizes.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

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