Veterinary Assistant Applecross Veterinary Hospital

A Cat Hospital; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP Match

Medical library access

Flexible schedules

Uniform allowance

Pet care discounts

Job summary

VCA Canada in Nanaimo, BC, seeks a compassionate Veterinary Assistant to join our dedicated team for hands-on clinical experience in a veterinary setting. This full-time, entry-level role supports veterinarians and technicians while caring for pets and their families.

You will assist during exams, restrain animals, maintain rooms, handle specimens, and support end-of-life care with empathy. Training is provided; competitive wages and benefits available.

Qualifications

• Strong emotional resilience.
• Ability to handle blood, bodily fluids, and medical procedures.
• Willingness to assist with euthanasia.
• Ability to lift 40+ lbs.
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented.
• Genuine love and respect for animals.
• Previous experience is a plus, but training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and technicians during exams and procedures.
• Safely restrain animals of all sizes.
• Clean and disinfect exam rooms, kennels, and equipment.
• Administer basic care such as nail trims, bathing, and weight checks.
• Handle biological materials (blood, urine, feces).
• Support end-of-life care; assist with euthanasia procedures.
• Maintain a clean, calm, and supportive environment for pets and families.
• Back up for reception when required.

Skills

Emotional resilience

Medical procedures

Euthanasia assistance

Lifting ability

Reliability

Love for animals

Training provided

Job description

Veterinary Assistant

Location: Nanaimo, BC

Employment Type: Full-time

Job level: Entry-level

Compensation: $18.25 per hour

We are a dedicated veterinary team seeking a compassionate and dependable Veterinary Assistant. This role is ideal for someone who loves animals, works hard, and wants hands‑on clinical experience in the veterinary industry. This position can sometimes be emotionally demanding and physically active. The right candidate will understand that high‑quality animal care sometimes includes difficult moments and challenging tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting veterinarians and technicians during exams and procedures
• Safely restraining animals of all sizes
• Cleaning and disinfecting exam rooms, kennels, and equipment
• Administering basic care such as nail trims, bathing, and weight checks
• Handling biological materials (blood, urine, feces)
• Supporting end-of-life care; supporting processes for euthanasia procedures
• Maintaining a clean, calm, and supportive environment for pets and their families
• Back up for reception when required

Qualifications

• Strong emotional resilience
• Ability to handle blood, bodily fluids, and medical procedures
• Willingness to be present for and assist with euthanasia
• Ability to lift 40+ lbs
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented
• Genuine love and respect for animals
• Previous experience is a plus, but training will be provided

What We Can Offer You

• RRSP Employer 5 % Match Program – saving for your future just got easier!
• VCA Canada Student Loan RRSP Program – Ask us more!
• Medical Library; 2000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research, and more at your fingertips!
• Flexible schedules!
• Competitive wages and benefits!
• Opportunity to apply for a Veterinary Technician/Technologist scholarship (annual process)
• Annual uniform allowance
• Exceptional career development: there is room to grow here!
• Referral Bonus Rewards
• Opportunities to give back to your community through VCA initiatives
• Generous personal pet care discounts
• And extra perks like shopping discounts and cool wellness apps!

Our Story

VCA Canada is a network of veterinary hospitals, with our head office in Calgary, Alberta, committed to positively impacting pets, people, and local communities for nearly 45 years. We have compassion for the neighbourhoods we serve and every pet within them, not just those we see in our hospitals. Every VCA Canada hospital location takes pride in its legacy of excellence, earning the trust of pet owners by delivering the highest quality of medicine to keep pets happy and healthy. In 2017, VCA Canada became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, solidifying an even stronger commitment to ensuring the strength and stability of the veterinary profession and our commitment to pet parents nationwide. VCA Canada is also passionate about providing an industry-leading Associate experience to over 4,000 Canadians employed across the country. In 2026, for the third year in a row, we were named one of Alberta's Top Employers, which recognizes organizations whose head offices are located within the province and lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Additionally, we were selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2026, which recognizes employers across Canada that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work and programs for young people starting their careers.