Job Description

Veterinary Assistant, Emergency | $18–$20/hour
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Schedule: Full-Time | Three 12-hour shifts (Days or Overnights), including one weekend shift
Compensation: $18–$20/hour based on skills assessment + $5/hour shift differential (12:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.)

Looking for a Veterinary Assistant position where you can grow your skills in emergency and specialty medicine? Join Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital in Portsmouth, NH, and become part of a collaborative Emergency team dedicated to exceptional patient care. If you're passionate about veterinary medicine and eager to continue learning, we offer career development opportunities, technician education support, and a team that genuinely invests in your success.

Compensation

• $18–$20/hour based on skills assessment
• Additional $5/hour shift differential for shifts worked between 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Full-Time Benefits:

• Annual CE Allowance: Starting at $800 for licensed technicians and incremental increases based on total years credentialed
• Uniform Allowance + Free VetBloom access (RACE-approved CE):
• CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement (does not come out of your CE allowance!)
• RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills
• Veterinary Technician Education Sponsorships + VTNE reimbursement + VTS Support
• 16-Week VTNE Study Group
• Professional Development Assistance
• PTO + Sick Time
• Employee Referral Bonuses + Employee Pet Discount
• Access exclusive financial benefits to help you save on student loans, mortgages, and personal loans
• NVA Pet Resort Discount + Pet Insurance Discount
• Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA Options
• Insurance Options: Life and AD&D + Short & Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness + Accident + Hospital Indemnity
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule

• Full-Time; Three 12-hour shifts per week; One weekend shift required
• Day Shift: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Or

• Overnight Shift: 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.

Responsibilities
As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll play an essential role in supporting our Emergency team while helping deliver exceptional patient care.

• Assist with patient examinations, treatments, and procedures
• Safely restrain patients for examinations and diagnostics
• Obtain patient histories and record vital signs (TPR, weight, etc.)
• Prepare exam rooms and treatment areas for incoming patients
• Assist with radiographs and other diagnostic procedures
• Fill prescriptions and review discharge instructions with clients
• Communicate professionally with clients in person, by phone, and via email
• Admit patients for hospitalization and ensure proper identification
• Monitor patient comfort and assist with feeding, walking, bathing, and general nursing care
• Maintain clean cages, treatment areas, exam rooms, and hospital equipment
• Stock medical supplies and assist with inventory deliveries
• Accurately document patient information in medical records
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and efficient hospital environment

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant preferred
• Passion for providing exceptional patient care and outstanding client service
• Friendly, dependable, compassionate, and team-oriented
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced emergency veterinary hospital
• Willingness to learn, grow, and collaborate with teammates
• Takes initiative and enjoys contributing to the success of the entire hospital
• Interest in continuing education and professional development
• Veterinary Technician career goals are encouraged—we offer scholarship opportunities and mentorship
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

About Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital
At Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, we’re more than a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital—we’re a collaborative team committed to exceptional patient care, outstanding client service, and continued professional growth.

Our state-of-the-art hospital in Portsmouth is equipped with advanced technology including:

• Digital radiology
• CT
• Ultrasound
• Fluoroscopy
• Linear accelerator
• Advanced specialty and emergency care services

Our specialty teams work closely together to deliver seamless, personalized care while creating an environment where technicians are respected, supported, and empowered to contribute.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your clinical skills, pursue specialty interests, or grow into new opportunities, Port City is a place where your development is prioritized and your career can continue to evolve.

Surrounding Areas
Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and serves pets and families throughout the Seacoast region and beyond, including:

• Dover, NH & Exeter, NH
• Hampton, NH & Rochester, NH
• York, ME & Kittery, ME
• Kennebunk, ME & Portland, ME
• Manchester, NH & Southern Maine and Northern Massachusetts communities

Know Someone Amazing?
If this role isn’t the right fit but you know a great CVT, send them our way!
Email Katelin.Shephard@ethosvet.com—you could earn a $1,250 referral bonus if they’re hired.

Considering Relocating?
Great talent can come from anywhere, and we welcome candidates who are considering a move. Whether you're relocating from another city, another state, or across the country, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you throughout the hiring process and answer questions about the role, the hospital, and the surrounding community.

About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of 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 leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us
At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.