The demand for ECC (Emergency & Critical Care) veterinary services in the United States has never been higher. With pet ownership is rising – 94 million US households (71%) now own a pet) – access to general practice care is often limited outside working hours, and many clinics are seeing more complex, urgent cases than ever before. As a result, emergency veterinary medicine has grown into a vital – and rewarding – career path for clinical professionals across the country.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a general practitioner looking for a change of pace, or an experienced emergency vet living in another country and looking to relocate, the US offers a range of emergency-focused clinical roles. Here’s what you need to know about embarking on a career as an emergency veterinarian in the US:
What is Emergency Veterinary Work?
Emergency veterinary medicine is the practice of treating critically ill or injured animals who need immediate attention. These cases can range from hit-by-car traumas to acute toxicities, gastric torsion, seizures, or even difficult birthing emergencies. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and requires strong decision-making under pressure.
Emergency vets typically work in one of three main settings:
- Dedicated emergency clinics (often open 24/7 or overnight)
- Specialist referral hospitals with ECC departments
- University teaching hospitals offering advanced case management
Shifts often fall outside regular business hours, with weekends and nights a routine part of the job. It’s intense, but many vets describe it as the most meaningful work of their careers.
Key Clinical Emergency Roles in the US
Emergency veterinary careers in the US fall under a few broad categories, depending on experience, certification, and preferred pace of work:
- Emergency Veterinarian (General Practice-Level)
Many 24/7 animal hospitals hire emergency vets who aren’t board-certified specialists. These clinicians treat urgent walk-ins and triaged emergencies, managing cases from stabilization through to surgery or referral. Salaries typically sit above the average US veterinarian salary, ranging from $130,000 to $180,000, with shift differentials for overnight or weekend work.
“I started out in general practice but quickly realized I thrived in high-pressure environments. Emergency work gives me the challenge I was looking for – and the compensation reflects that.”
Dr. Naomi Chen, DVM, California
- ECC Specialist (Board-Certified)
Veterinarians who complete residency training and pass the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) board exams can work as ECC specialists. These roles exist mostly in large referral hospitals or academic institutions. The caseload is complex and often collaborative, working alongside surgeons, internists, and neurologists.
Board-certified ECC vets in the US earn between $180,000 and $250,000+, depending on location and institution.
- Urgent Care Veterinarian
Urgent care is emerging as a distinct niche between general practice and full emergency. These vets treat non-life-threatening but time-sensitive issues 0 think vomiting, minor trauma, or eye injuries – typically during evenings or weekends.
This is a popular option for GPs who want more acute cases without the intensity of overnight shifts. Salaries are comparable to traditional emergency roles, often starting at $120,000+.
- Relief Emergency Veterinarian
Relief (or locum) emergency vets provide temporary coverage at clinics, offering flexibility and variety. These roles suit experienced clinicians who enjoy new environments and the freedom of contract work. Daily rates vary by state but can exceed $800–$1,200 per shift.
“Relief work in ECC has been a game-changer. I choose my schedule, avoid burnout, and still treat the kind of cases that push me to grow.”
Dr. James Patel, Relief Vet, Colorado
- ECC Interns and Residents
For those pursuing board certification, internship and residency positions in ECC provide formal pathways into specialist roles. These are usually hospital-based and highly competitive but offer invaluable training and mentorship in critical care.
Is Emergency Work Right for You?
Emergency roles aren’t for everyone – but for the right vet, they can be immensely fulfilling. Successful emergency clinicians often share a few key traits:
- Calm under pressure
- Confident decision-making
- Quick diagnostic reasoning
- Empathy in high-stress client situations
- Willingness to work irregular hours
“It’s emotionally demanding, but also incredibly impactful. You go home knowing you saved a life – or at least gave everything you had.”
Dr. Lila Torres, ECC Resident, Texas A&M
Compensation and Career Progression
Emergency vets are among the highest-paid clinicians in small animal practice. Beyond base salaries, many earn:
- Shift premiums for nights or holidays
- Signing bonuses (commonly $10k–$50k)
- Continuing education allowances
- Leadership roles in ECC departments or hospital management
Those who start in general emergency practice often move into lead roles, residency programs, or even teaching positions in academia.
A Growing Field: The Need for Emergency Vets
The US veterinary industry is facing a well-documented shortage of vets – and ECC is one of the hardest-hit areas. According to AVMA data, 1 in 3 emergency clinics struggles to fill shifts, and patient volumes have risen more than 25% since 2020.
What’s driving this demand?
- Increased pet ownership
- More insured animals seeking emergency care
- Consolidation of practices into large hospital groups
- Rural areas needing mobile or after-hours support
This means clinics are not only hiring – they’re competing to attract emergency vets with strong incentives.
Where in the US Can You Find Emergency Veterinary Work?
Emergency veterinary roles are available nationwide, but demand is particularly high in regions with dense pet populations, growing suburban sprawl, or underserved rural areas. States like California, Texas and Florida consistently top the list for emergency vet openings, thanks to their large urban centers and year-round caseloads. New York and Illinois also see significant demand, especially in and around major cities like Chicago and New York City, where 24/7 clinics are common.
In the Midwest and Mountain West, states like Colorado, Arizona and Ohio are seeing a surge in emergency and urgent care facilities, partly due to population growth and expanded access to pet insurance. Meanwhile, rural areas in the South and Great Plains – such as Georgia, Oklahoma and parts of North Carolina – often face critical shortages, creating strong job opportunities for vets willing to relocate or work in mobile/emergency relief roles.
Wherever you’re based there’s likely a region in the US actively hiring ECC clinicians, with varied caseloads, team dynamics, and lifestyle benefits to suit your career goals.
How to Enter Emergency Practice in the US
For US-Trained Vets
- Ensure licensure in your state (via NAVLE and any state-specific exams)
- Consider enrolling in an ECC internship or CE program to build skills
- Seek mentorship in clinics with established emergency teams
- Speak to The Vet Service, we can help match your requirements with a range of current ECC job openings across the US.
For International Vets
- Confirm NAVLE eligibility and visa sponsorship pathways
- Many US employers are open to sponsoring experienced emergency vets
- Contact The Vet Service, we can guide you through credentialing, relocation, visa support and finding the right role
Looking for an Emergency Role in the US? We Can Help!
Emergency veterinary medicine is not a conventional path – but for many, that’s exactly the appeal. It’s unpredictable, intense, and deeply human. The clients are emotional, the animals often critical, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Yet, for the right clinician, it’s a career full of purpose and challenge like no other in the veterinary field.
Whether you’re already in the States or considering the move, The Vet Service can connect you with emergency veterinary roles that fit your goals, lifestyle, and level of experience. From fast-paced urban ER clinics to more balanced urgent care centers, we help you find a job where you can thrive.
Explore our current emergency veterinary jobs or contact us for advice on licensure, relocation, and what to expect. Your next step in ECC might be closer than you think.
