Veterinary Assistant, Emergency & ICU

Job title: Veterinary Assistant, Emergency & ICU

Daytime position at Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in West Caldwell, NJ Compensation: $20 - $24 hourly with weekend and overnight differentials Overnight differential: $5/hr (11:00pm – 7:00am) Weekend differential: $2.50/hr Differentials are stackable

Benefits include: 401(k) with matching Health, Dental, and Vision insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Life and Disability insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount) Professional development Uniform stipend Student Debt Assistance 6 Paid Holidays Recover Training and Certification for qualified staff Fear Free Training and Certification for qualified staff CE Reimbursement for qualified staff Access to VetBloom for RACE-approved continuing education and training

Schedule: Full-Time Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday 7:00am - 7:00pm

Job Description The purpose of this position is to provide support to Doctors and Veterinary Nurses so they may continue to provide excellent patient care. The Veterinary Assistant must pay attention to detail and maintain very high standards of cleanliness and care. The Veterinary Assistant must be able to communicate well with coworkers to ensure overall accuracy and satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians and technicians during exams, treatments, and procedures
• Prepare ER/triage areas and assist with procedure setup (e.g., laceration repair, urinary obstruction cases)
• Set up, break down, clean, and disinfect surgery and treatment areas
• Prepare surgical packs and sterilize instruments
• Safely restrain patients for exams, diagnostics, and treatments
• Obtain accurate patient weights and vital signs
• Perform basic phlebotomy on stable patients as directed
• Provide routine patient care including walking dogs, feeding patients, changing bedding, and cleaning cages
• Prepare patients for inpatient procedures
• Maintain clean, dry, and comfortable patient housing in ICU, ER, Specialty, and wards
• Restock and organize ICU, treatment, surgery, radiology, ultrasound, exam rooms, laboratory, and pharmacy areas
• Clean and maintain hospital equipment and workspaces
• Complete laundry, mopping, sweeping, and general sanitation duties
• Enter accurate information into patient medical records and treatment sheets
• Provide basic client instructions as directed (home care, medications, post-operative care)
• Cross-train and assist other hospital departments as needed
• Maintain at least one year of service in the role to be eligible for advancement

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience as a veterinary technician or assistant

• Knowledge of safety protocols and proper sanitation/sterilization practices

• Understanding of commonly used veterinary medical terminology and equipment

• Ability to calculate accurate medication dosages and administer injections

• Familiarity with CPR and rescue breathing preferred

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• English fluency (reading and speaking) required, additional languages a plus

• Ability to follow directions from multiple team members and accurately execute instructions

• Demonstrates initiative and anticipates the needs of veterinarians and nursing staff

• Ability to remain calm, think critically, and respond appropriately in emergency situations

• Professional demeanor, good hygiene, and strong client service skills with tact and empathy

• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently or under supervision

• Why Choose AERA?

• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.

• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.

• Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.

• Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.

• Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.

• About AERA

• At Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA), excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s who we are. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, AERA represents the gold standard in veterinary medicine and patient care. We are proud recipients of the 2024 Neighborhood Fave award, recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Animal Hospitals of 2025, and honored with the dvm360 Hospital Design Merit Award for our innovative, state-of-the-art facility. In addition, AERA has been recognized as a Distinguished Kindness Workplace, reflecting our deep commitment to a supportive, respectful, and people-first culture.

• With comprehensive services including 24/7 emergency care, advanced anesthesia, diagnostics and radiology, internal medicine, orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery, and radiation oncology, AERA stands at the forefront of specialty and emergency veterinary medicine—where advanced clinical expertise meets genuine compassion for patients, clients, and each other.

• Nearby Communities AERA attracts Veterinary Technicians and Clinical Professionals from throughout Northern New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area, including:

• West Orange, NJ

• Livingston, NJ

• Montclair, NJ

• Verona, NJ

• Caldwell, NJ

• Roseland, NJ

• Cedar Grove, NJ

• Parsippany, NJ

• Morristown, NJ

• East Hanover, NJ

• Jersey City, NJ

• Hoboken, NJ

• Newark, NJ

• Staten Island, NY

• Manhattan, NY

• Brooklyn, NY

• *Know Someone Amazing?

• If this role isn't the right fit but you know a great Veterinary Technician, send them our way!*/