Emergency Veterinary Assistant

Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Assistant at VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital

Schedule: Full-time opportunity. Swing/2nd shift. Optional schedule:12 pm - 12am; 2 pm- 2 am

Compensation: $20 - 30/hr. Starting pay is determined by skill set, experience, and qualifications. Financial growth opportunities are available.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys being an essential part of a collaborative emergency team. No two days are the same as you support critically ill patients, assist with life-saving procedures, and help provide exceptional care to pets and their families.

In This Role, You Will:

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with emergency procedures and patient treatments.
• Support patient triage and help prepare patients for examinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Safely restrain patients for examinations, treatments, and diagnostic procedures.
• Prepare and maintain treatment areas, surgical suites, and medical equipment.
• Collect and process laboratory samples, perform basic laboratory duties, and assist with diagnostic imaging.
• Monitor hospitalized patients and promptly communicate changes in patient condition to the medical team.
• Maintain accurate medical records and ensure treatments are completed efficiently.
• Provide compassionate care to patients while supporting clients during stressful situations.
• Help create a positive, collaborative environment focused on outstanding patient care.

About Us

VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital is an AAHA-accredited, multi-specialty referral and emergency hospital located in Downers Grove, Illinois. Our team includes Emergency & Critical Care, Specialty Services, and highly trained support staff who are committed to advancing veterinary medicine while providing compassionate care to pets and the people who love them.

We take pride in fostering a culture of teamwork, continuous learning, and professional development, making Arboretum View an excellent place for Veterinary Assistants looking to expand their skills in emergency and specialty medicine.

As part of Mars Veterinary Health, we're committed to helping our teams grow while making a lasting impact on pets and the people who love them.

What We're Looking For

• 2+years of Veterinary Assistant experience

• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

Total Rewards


As a VCA Associate, eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid vacation and sick time

• Paid parental leave

• Mental wellness resources including Headspace and Lyra

• Continuing education and internal development programs

Discover Additional Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)


Apply today!

Location: 2551 Warrenville Road, Downers Grove, IL, 60515


If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.