Skill Building for Success: Vet Assistants Thriving at VEG

VEG ER for Pets operates 24-hour emergency animal hospitals throughout the U.S. So it takes a lot of recruitment and ER training to build expert teams to support each around-the-clock location. Veterinary Assistants are at the heart of our unique customer-focused level of care at VEG. In fact, when others celebrate Veterinary Assistant Day, we dedicate an entire week to our VAs!

To commemorate 2025 Veterinary Assistant Week at VEG ER for Pets, we've interviewed four VEG VAs who share with us their life at VEG stories. Because VEG finds a way to say yes to our VEGgies, these Veterinary Assistants had the opportunity to grow skills and reach goals that were not made possible anywhere else. We also spoke with a VEG Customer Experience Coordinator (CEC) who is taking courses to become a Veterinary Assistant.

LEARNING AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: VEG LETS YOU GROW WHERE YOU WANT TO GO

Melissa Merrifield (Current VA- Shift Lead)

I came to VEG over a year ago after moving across the country to begin a new chapter in life. I had never worked in emergency medicine before but it was always my dream. I took the leap and landed the position as a VA with VEG Murfreesboro. I have never regretted my decision.

I am currently in my 3rd semester of Penn Foster while working full time, am a Lifeguard Champion, and recently became shift lead. VEG has allowed me the work-life balance to pursue my goal of licensure while working full time as well as giving me the confidence to fully commit to pursuing a role in leadership now as a shift lead.

The amount of knowledge, skills, and confidence I have gained is immense. One of my highlights while working for VEG was learning how to administer a blood transfusion. I was extremely nervous given the circumstances, but with guidance and support from my leadership team, I was successful and have since been able to guide others through the process. VEG is truly life changing.

VEG Shift Lead Melissa Merrifield

Ana Enciso - VA Shift Lead

My name is Ana, and I am a Veterinary Assistant at VEG Redmond. Joining VEG has been an incredible journey of growth, both professionally and personally. As a Veterinary Assistant, I have gained a profound understanding of emergency medicine, expanding my knowledge and hands-on experience. From assisting in critical patient care to managing complex cases, I have strengthened my ability to stay calm and focused under pressure, ensuring the best outcomes for our patients and their families.

One of the most gratifying aspects of my time at VEG has been stepping into the role of shift lead. This position has taught me the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and empathy—qualities that are essential in both veterinary care and leadership. My journey at VEG has been transformative, not only in terms of technical skills but also in building confidence and resilience.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a team that is dedicated to providing exceptional care for people and their pets when they need it the most. Working at VEG Redmond has solidified my passion for veterinary medicine, and I am excited to continue growing, learning, and contributing to this incredible field.

VEG VA Shift Lead Ana Enciso high fives a patient.

Jordan Weatherly - VA

My name is Jordan Weatherly, I have had so many things that have been unexpected while working for VEG. I think what has been the most unexpected for me has been surprising myself with the skill set I have gained and the growth in my shift lead position.

I have worked in a general practice for almost 5 years, and last year took the leap of faith to come to VEG with no emergency experience. The lack of judgement about my inexperience with emergency medicine, and the learning culture has been absolutely amazing. I continue to surprise myself everyday with the new things I learn and cannot wait to see where this growth leads me in the future. 

VA Jordan Weatherly assists a surgery at VEG ER for Pets.

Emily Parker - Current CEC working toward becoming a VA

My journey at VEG started at the Redmond WA location before it was open. I was at a different referral hospital for about two and a half years working as an Equine Orderly (think Kennel Attendant plus animal restraint). I wanted to continue working with horses and other large animals while working towards becoming a Veterinary Assistant. Unfortunately, that  growth was not happening at that hospital.

I had never heard of VEG before, I was  job searching and saw that VEG was opening their first Washington location in Redmond. I did some research on the company and thought it sounded too good to be true. I was so happy to be wrong. I was hired as a CEC and an early start VEGgie. I remember during my interview I asked about growth opportunities in the company. My future HM and MD told me about a program that VEG had called Cultivate. I was so excited for the opportunity to help open a new hospital, be a part of building a more positive workplace and being given opportunities to grow. Fast forward to now, after 7 months as a CEC I started working as a VA part time.

I didn’t have prior emergency experience or small animal experience. I was learning everything on the job through Cultivate, my coworkers and leadership. VEG as a company creates an environment where this type of learning is possible.

VEG CEC Emily Parker helps a pet patient stay hydrated.

VETERINARY ASSISTANT JOBS AT VEG

Want to do the unexpected in your career? Discover life at VEG. We operate over 100 hospitals in the U.S., each with the shared mission of helping people and their pets when they need it most. Visit our Careers site and say YES to VEG!