Emergency - Veterinary Technician/Veterinary Assistant (1st Shift) - Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Matthews

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Join our team as a Emergency Veterinary Technician/Assistant (1st shift) who supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to our patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.

Carolina Veterinary Specialists - Matthews in Matthews, North Carolina, combines cutting-edge veterinary medicine with a close-knit team environment, delivering high-quality specialty and emergency care while prioritizing professional growth and support.

Location: Matthews, NC

Position: Full-Time Veterinary Technician or Assistant – Emergency Department (1st Shift)

Pay: Veterinary Technician starting at $25+/hr | Veterinary Assistant starting at $22+/hr

Take Your Career to the Next Level

Are you a dedicated Veterinary Technician or Assistant ready to grow your skills in emergency medicine? Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Matthews, NC is looking for an experienced and compassionate individual to join our fast-paced Emergency Department.

Our emergency team is known for providing exceptional client service and advanced patient care. Here, technicians and assistants work collaboratively with our talented emergency veterinarians and support staff to deliver the highest standard of veterinary medicine.

What You'll Do

As part of our Emergency team, you'll play a key role in delivering life-saving care to our patients. This dynamic role includes:

• Conducting patient assessments through exams, interviews, and diagnostic testing
• Providing hands-on care: taking vitals, collecting samples, administering medications/vaccines, and treating wounds
• Assisting veterinarians during exams and surgical procedures
• Preparing and dispensing medications as directed
• Maintaining accurate medical records and patient documentation
• Monitoring patients for signs of illness or distress and ensuring they are clean, comfortable, and hydrated
• Maintaining hospital sanitation and sterilization standards
• Managing inventory and ordering medical supplies
• Communicating effectively with pet owners and the veterinary team

Emergency & Critical Care Focus

• Assist veterinarians in emergency and ICU procedures
• Monitor vital signs, place IV catheters, draw blood, and take X-rays
• Clean and dress wounds, apply bandages or casts, and administer injections
• Participate in on-call ICU rotations as needed

Core Competencies

• Compassion & Care: Builds trust and demonstrates empathy toward pets and their families
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively in a fast-paced, supportive environment
• Dependability: Delivers consistent, high-quality results
• Initiative: Takes ownership and anticipates needs
• Flexibility: Adapts to changing priorities and patient needs
• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally with clients and colleagues
• Organization: Maintains accurate records and orderly workspaces
• Compliance: Follows hospital policies and safety procedures

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in General Practice, Emergency, Specialty, or Urgent Care veterinary settings
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification preferred
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Schedule

• Full-time, day shift starting between 6am to 9am. Typically, 10 hours day but some 12 hours day will be included in your schedule.  
• Rotating biweekly schedule with weekends and some holidays required

Skills & Physical Requirements

• Skilled in surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, and patient recovery
• Proficient in phlebotomy, catheter placement, radiology, and emergency procedures
• Able to safely handle and restrain animals, including those that are injured or stressed
• Comfortable working with chemicals, anesthetic gases, and biological materials
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Strong multitasking and communication skills
• Professional demeanor and commitment to quality patient care

About PetVet Care Centers

Carolina Veterinary Specialists is part of PetVet Care Centers, a nationwide network of over 420 hospitals and 11,000 veterinary professionals, including 1,700+ veterinarians. At PetVet, we're dedicated to a Culture of Care—for pets, their owners, and the teams who make it all possible. Here, you'll find local autonomy, national support, and opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PetVet Care Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources