Applications for the January-June 2027 cycle close on December 1st, 2026.

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 greatest 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 and 2026 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 experienced 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 your team 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 team 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 customers 
• Scrub into surgeries

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
• Work well in a fast-paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives
• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s’ accomplishments
• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results 
• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

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 kindness. 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 devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. 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.