If you’re considering a career at VEG, you probably have a passion for working in emergency veterinary medicine. But why should you do it here? From how we practice medicine and care for people and their pets to how we support you in your career and in your life, here are 10 reasons why #lifeatVEG is different from anywhere else.
1. We find a way to say yes, so you can do the unexpected
This is the promise we make to our VEGgies. Saying yes means opening doors so our VEGgies can do the unexpected—from ensuring each VEGgie is supported in doing their best to making room for unforeseen career opportunities (read this story for a great example!). We also say yes to helping great ideas come to life. Like when the team from our Franklin, Tennessee, hospital came to us with the awesome idea for “Go Bags,” which are fully stocked, ready-to-deploy emergency kits used when a pet can’t be safely transported to the hospital. Through hard work and collaboration we made it happen, and these bags are now available at every VEG location.
2. You get to practice emergency medicine differently
VEG was started with the idea of fixing the way emergency had always been done. We go beyond excellent medical care, creating an ER experience that encourages transparency and collaboration with our customers and each other, and helps our VEGgies feel supported in practicing confidently. This starts with our open-concept hospitals, which allow customers to see what’s going on in the ER, understand when things get busy, and appreciate the care their pets are getting in real time. We also work side-by-side with pet parents: they can stay with their pets the entire time and even participate in their care—creating a less stressful experience for everyone.
3. You can be on the frontlines of change
Doing things differently here isn't limited to our hospital design. When you work at VEG, if you see a problem and have an idea for how to fix it, we say yes to helping that idea become a reality. A great example of this is how we’ve changed the game for veterinary nurses. From hiring the first-ever Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer (shout out to Ken Yagi!), to creating a credentialing support program, to starting VEG Doctor and Nursing Councils as a way to advocate and create change in the industry, we’ve put a spotlight on veterinary nursing so our VEGgies can have fulfilling, sustainable careers. Another great example: the unique hospital experience we’ve created for people and their pets. Not only do customers see a doctor right away—no waiting for hours in a waiting room—people and their pets can stay together through the entire visit, and we’ve even created comfy spaces where customers can stay overnight.
4. You can grow where you want to go
We know that being able to grow in your role takes having the tools to get there. So at VEG, we offer a variety of opportunities for our VEGgies to expand their clinical knowledge and develop their leadership skills, including unlimited ER-focused CE; role-specific education, like our NERD program and Cultivate; and mentorship from experienced VEGgies. And when we say mentorship, that’s not just talk. You’re paired with senior vet med experts, have access to a network of criticalists, sonographers and radiologists; and work side-by-side with teammates who are there to help you every step of the way. No matter your role or level of experience, learning and growth are part of the culture here.
5. Your career path doesn’t have to be linear
You know what else you can change when you work at VEG? Where you want your career to go! We say yes to helping our VEGgies do the unexpected—whether you’re a general practice vet who wants to work in ER, a seasoned doctor hoping to transition into leadership, or a veterinary nurse who wants to teach others and become a nursing trainer. Take Mike White, who was in the U.S. Army before becoming an ER vet and now a medical director at VEG. Or Marly Hrosch, who began as a veterinary nurse and transitioned into a leadership role as a regional nursing trainer. They’re great examples of how when you’re a VEGgie, we support you in finding the career that’s right for you.
6. You can work somewhere that cares—for pets and their people
Our VEGgies don’t just treat pet emergencies—they care for pets and the people who love them. This can be seen in the experience we provide every customer and patient who walks through the door. It’s also the reason we started VEG Cares, which provides lifesaving care to pets in need in our community. With VEG Cares you get to say yes—to the family who can’t afford heart surgery for their dog. To the cat from a local rescue who is having trouble breathing and needs oxygen therapy. To date we’ve helped over 25,000 people and their pets using VEG Cares—and counting!
7. We invest in our leaders’ success
Leadership at VEG is important. Our leaders don’t simply oversee their teams, they shape the culture in our hospitals and maintain the high standard of care VEG is known for. We hold them to the highest standards as well, so we give our leaders the tools and training they need to be successful. This means investing in leadership development for all of our VEGgies, starting with Basic Leadership Training on day one, and continuing with Sparks, our internal leadership summit; VEG Academy, a program that helps frontline leaders strengthen their leadership skills; and so much more.
8. You can find your place—and be fully yourself
We want every person at VEG to feel seen, valued, heard, and thanked—not only for the work they do but for who they are. DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging) isn’t just something we talk about; it’s part of our culture. Not only do we welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences, we also celebrate and bring awareness to what matters to our VEGgies—whether it’s celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month or putting a spotlight on mental health.
9. VEG supports the total you, so your ER career can be a long one
A career in emergency vet med is incredibly rewarding, but we know it can be stressful too—which is why we say yes to supporting our VEGgies both in and outside the hospital. From benefits that care for your financial well-being—like competitive compensation, equity ownership, and student loan assistance—to supporting your health and wellness with flexible schedules, free access to therapy and counseling, and paid parental leave, we want VEG to be a place where you can do what you love and have a sustainable career.
10. You don't have to take our word for it
Not only have we been named one of Fortune‘s Best Workplaces in Health Care, we’ve also earned Great Place to Work Certification for the third year in a row. Since this certification is based entirely on what employees have to say about their VEG experience, this recognition comes directly from our VEGgies!
