Helping people and their pets when they need it most is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. But emergency veterinary medicine also comes with its challenges: working demanding shifts, making emotional decisions under pressure, and having to continuously develop and strengthen your skills to ensure you can handle any case that comes through the door.
At VEG, we find a way to say yes, so you can do the unexpected—which means supporting our VEGgies (everyone who works here) so they can meet these challenges head on and build fulfilling ER careers. From the culture we create in our hospitals, to caring for your total well-being—financial, physical, mental, and beyond—here are 10 ways we invest in you.
We’ve created a culture that’s “not normal”—in the best way possible
Finding a way to say yes to our VEGgies is where it all starts. We find a way to say yes to creating an environment that helps you give the best care—from our open concept hospitals to keeping people and their pets together. We say yes to ensuring you feel supported by your leaders, connected to your teammates, and appreciated for the work you do. We say yes to helping you grow your career through learning and mentorship opportunities at every turn. And, we say yes to empowering you to share your ideas and help us do emergency better.
We’ll help you find community and connection
We all share a passion for helping people and their pets, but the sense of community we create at VEG goes far beyond that. We connect through things like wearing fun VEG swag, enjoying team celebrations, and having an online forum where VEGgies can celebrate wins and share stories and experiences. "Community feels like home. A safe home, where opinions are welcome and everyone brings something to the table that's valued by others, said Sharon Delrocco, VEG’s senior copy manager. “It's a sense of acceptance, belonging, and togetherness."
Our VEGgie Network Groups (VNGs) are another way VEGgies can build community. From groups focused on Wellness and Neurodiversity to others that connect Black, LGBTQIA+, and Latiné veterinary professionals (and more!), you can find familiarity and connection within the larger VEG community, adding another layer of support to your career.
We support your physical and mental wellness
Being able to give others the best care starts with caring for yourself. That’s why VEG’s health and wellness coverage starts on day one, and includes access to free therapy/counseling and free gym memberships. Your health and well-being should be a priority too.
We support your financial well-being too
VEG offers competitive salaries and bonuses, as well as student loan repayment for eligible clinical staff after one year. Plus, if you refer someone awesome to work here, we have a referral reward program to thank you.
We help you plan for the long run
Financial well-being goes beyond the here and now. From a 401(k) with company match to help you save for retirement, to equity ownership so you can share in VEG’s growth and success, we invest in your future too.
We give you time to recharge and find balance
Veterinary medicine is notorious for causing burnout, so ensuring you can find a sustainable work-life balance is our priority. That’s why our VEGgies enjoy flexible schedules and vacation and sick time, so we can support—and encourage—time to rest and have a fulfilling life outside of work too.
We’re here for you as your family grows
We know that starting or adding to your family can bring changes and new responsibilities that require time to adjust. That’s why we give our VEGgies paid parental leave—up to 12 weeks depending on if you are a primary or non-primary caregiver and up to 20 weeks paid maternity leave depending on your delivery.
"I am so thankful to VEG for offering not just moms, but dads the best parental leave in the industry!" said Shawn Wharrey, a Medical Director at VEG Cincinnati. We’re here to support all of our VEGgies during this major life transition.
We have a culture of learning
This means learning and growth is part of who we are. At every stage of your career, you have opportunities to sharpen your skills, learn new techniques, and continue to grow in your role. Hands-on mentorship and training are part of the job, and VEGgies have access to unlimited ER-focused continuing education, plus a travel stipend to learn wherever they need to go.
We’ll help you take the next step in your career
Whether you’re a veterinary assistant looking to become credentialed, a veterinary nurse interested in becoming a sonographer, or a seasoned ER doctor hoping to transition into a leadership role, we have clinical and leadership development programs to support you. Wherever you want your career path to lead, we’ll help you build the skills and experience to help you get there.
Chelsea Mendola, a VEG Market Owner, is a great example of someone whose participation in these programs has led her to take the next step (or steps!) in her career. “Having the opportunity to grow in my career at VEG, plus amazing CE opportunities like the ER Cert, satisfied what I was looking for,” she said. ”I have been more fulfilled in my career in the last year since graduating the ER Cert, becoming a Cert instructor, and starting the MD role, than I have in the last nine years of being a veterinarian.”
We leave where you work up to you
Non-competes don’t exist at VEG, because we believe everyone should have the freedom to choose where to build their emergency veterinary career. We hope that helping you thrive—financially, physically, and mentally—means we are the place you continue to choose.
