Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital; Canada; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary clinic in Canada is looking for a full-time Veterinary Surgeon to join their dedicated team. The role involves providing veterinary care and performing surgeries in a scenic coastal environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in small animal practice and a collaborative approach. This position offers a competitive salary, relocation assistance, and a chance to explore the breathtaking outdoor adventures in Prince Rupert.

Benefits

Salary of CAD $120,000–$200,000

Signing bonus

Comprehensive health benefits

Relocation assistance

CPD support

Qualifications

• Several years of post-graduate experience in a small animal practice.
• Ability to perform routine surgeries and willingness to tackle complex cases.
• Team player with a sense of humor.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical care and perform surgeries on small animals.
• Work alongside the Medical Director and support staff.
• Participate in after-hours calls triaged by RVTs.

Skills

Post-graduate experience in small animal practice

Comfortable with consultations and surgeries

Collaborative and compassionate approach

Education

Veterinary degree recognized by the College of Veterinarians of BC

Job description

Overview

Are you a vet looking for a real adventure, with ocean views on your doorstep, eagles overhead, whales offshore, and no long commutes or sky-high housing costs?

Welcome to Pacific Coast Veterinary Hospital, your future home in Prince Rupert, a scenic coastal city in northwest British Columbia, and the gateway to the Great Canadian wilderness. Whether you’re craving a fresh professional challenge or dreaming of life by the sea with the mountains at your back, this could be exactly the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

We’re a small but mighty team that loves what we do and the community we serve. Now we’re looking for a full-time Veterinary Surgeon to join us: someone who’s compassionate, team-oriented, and excited to bring their skills to a place where no two days are quite the same.

Who are we?

We\'re an established small-animal clinic serving a diverse coastal community of around 12,000 people. Our caseload is varied and rewarding, from routine wellness visits and surgeries to occasional wildlife encounters and the kinds of emergencies you only see in a remote practice (think porcupine quills!).

You’ll be working alongside our Medical Director, Dr. Samantha Gwillim, who joined us from Australia. With over 10 years of experience, she’s an exceptional surgeon and a natural mentor. Dr. Sam’s passions include soft tissue surgery, dermatology, and emergency care. She’s known for her approachable, energetic style and her love of sharing knowledge with the team.

Together with our two brilliant RVTs, four dedicated Veterinary Assistants, and our wonderful Practice Manager, Alana, you’ll be part of a supportive, friendly, and resilient team that takes pride in delivering Fear Free, high-quality care to

You might be a great fit if…

• You have a couple of years of post-graduate experience in small animal practice (though we’re flexible for the right person).
• Comfortable with a mix of consultations and surgeries (routine spays and neuters are a must; willingness to tackle more complex cases is a big plus).
• A collaborative, compassionate approach and a sense of humour (essential in our part of the world!).

This isn’t a sleepy practice. We’re the only clinic in town, so we see it all. But you’ll never be alone; our team is here to support you, and after-hours calls are triaged by RVTs through Animal HealthLink, so you only get called in when truly necessary.

What we offer

We value our vets, and we show it by supporting your personal, financial, and professional growth through:

Financial & Professional Growth

• Salary of CAD $120,000–$200,000 (approx. £70,000–£115,000), depending on experience, with eligibility for a discretionary performance bonus
• Signing bonus
• CPD (known here as Continuing Education, or CE) is actively encouraged, with certificates supported
• Paid licensing and membership dues
• Professional liability insurance

Health & Wellbeing

• Comprehensive health benefits package (100% of Medical, Dental & Vision premiums covered)
• Professional services coverage (chiropractor, massage therapist, physiotherapist, and more)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal emergency days
• Generous veterinary discounts
• Clothing allowance

Future Security

• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) matching to help you plan for the future

And because we know a move like this is a big deal, we’ll support you every step of the way:

• Relocation assistance — we’ll help with logistics, from flights to finding accommodation, and our local team will be on hand to make settling in as smooth as possible
• Immigration support — our experienced immigration lawyer (on retainer) will guide you through the visa process. Whether it’s a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a Young Professionals permit (great options if you’re under 35 from the UK or Ireland), or a Working Holiday visa, we’ve navigated it before and will take the stress out of the paperwork.
• Licensing guidance — we’ll support you with the steps to become licensed with the College of Veterinarians of BC (your UK degree is already recognised in Canada through AVMA accreditation, so no re-exams required!)
• Practical settling-in help — from setting up a Canadian bank account and health card to tips on local housing and where to find the best coffee in Prince Rupert, we’ll make sure you feel at home quickly.
• Community connections — we know moving countries can feel daunting, but you won’t be on your own. Prince Rupert is a friendly, welcoming community, and our team is here to help you build a new support network, both within and outside the clinic.

Life in Prince Rupert

If you’re looking for skyscrapers, traffic jams, and crowded dog parks, this probably isn’t the place for you. But if you want affordable living and adventure at your doorstep, Prince Rupert is hard to beat.

Here you’ll find kayaking, fishing, and hiking in some of the most breathtaking scenery Canada has to offer; spot grizzlies on the shoreline, orcas and humpbacks offshore, and bald eagles flying right overhead. And unlike most of Canada, you won’t be digging yourself out of snowdrifts all winter long.

It’s the perfect mix of small-town charm and big outdoor adventure, and a place where you can truly make a difference.

If this sounds like the adventure you’ve been waiting for, we’d love to chat. Call us for an informal conversation, or apply now to start your Canadian adventure.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a respectful, inclusive, and diverse workplace.