ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This meant challenging the status quo and fixing everything that was wrong with the ER experience. Since then, we’ve expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7, 365 days a year, and created a better emergency experience—not only for people and their pets, but also for everyone who works here—our VEGgies!

At VEG we find a way to say yes to the career you want in veterinary emergency medicine. This means transforming how ER works, from our open-concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of every kind (even exotics!) to our immersive, customer-focused experience, which helps us give people and their pets the care they deserve.

This also means saying yes to creating the best experience possible for our VEGgies. Yes to working in an environment where you can find your place and feel valued for the amazing work you do. Yes to having unparalleled opportunities for learning and mentorship so you can grow where you want to go in your career. And yes to making an impact here in ways you never thought possible. VEG is a 2025 certified Great Place to Work®. 

THE PROGRAM

VEG’s DVM Externship Program offers veterinary students an intensive, hands-on experience in emergency medicine, working closely with our skilled emergency doctors. And since at VEG we find a way to say YES so you can do the unexpected, as an extern we help you explore everything YOU want to learn about ER so you can grow where you want to go in your career. Throughout this program, you’ll build essential skills in client communication, diagnosing a variety of emergency conditions, creating treatment plans, and collaborating with support staff in a fast-paced environment. If you share our passion for ER, we’d love to have you join us, so you can tackle real-world cases and take the first steps on your path in emergency medicine.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Work alongside highly skilled emergency doctors Collaborate with staff in a fun, fast-paced environment Learn to diagnose a variety of emergent conditions Develop treatment plans and assist with medical records  Learn to effectively communicate with clients  Scrub into surgeries

Please note that if you do not hold citizenship in the US, your experience with us will be classified as a clinical observation. As part of the clinical observation, you will not be permitted to handle animals or engage in direct communication with clients.

However, we are committed to ensuring you have a valuable and enriching experience. You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with our VEGgies, observe their work on the floor, and immerse yourself in the VEG culture.

We’re thrilled to welcome you to our hospital, showcase our SPIKES in action, and share the unique VEG experience with you!

WHAT YOU NEED

A 3rd or 4th year student currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited veterinary school AVMA/PLIT personal liability insurance  Personal medical insurance  Ability to stand for prolonged hours, kneel, work on the floor as well as ability to lift up to 25 kg on own and able to support up to 40 kg with assistance. Must be willing to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors. Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types.

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

Flexibility: Adjust the duration of your externship to your needs and your university’s guidelines: One day to two weeks for externships that are for experience, not for credit  Two weeks or more for externships that are for credit, with flexibility in duration to meet university requirements. Location: We’re growing! There are multiple locations to choose from based on hospital availability and your financial means Mentorship: You’ll be supported by an ER doctor throughout your externship. Focus/Immersion: You’ll be fully engaged in the fast-paced, hands-on world of emergency medicine. Future opportunities: We love hiring former externs—if you fall in love with VEG, we’ll be the first to help you find a role when you're ready.

This is an unpaid externship. If finances are a concern, you can indicate your need for financial assistance on the application, and our externship coordinator will follow up to request additional information.

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it's a strength that fuels innovation and compassion. Our mission is “Helping people and their pets when they need it most.” And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're dedicated to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are committed to providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that every voice is heard. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world’s veterinary emergency company.