Veterinary Assistant, Bedford Parks Animal Hospital

Pet Services of Washington, P.S.; Bedford; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP matching (5%)

Paid time off for CE/vacation/sick/pw

Annual CE Allowance

Certification memberships paid

Mental health resources & telemedicine

Career development pathways

Pet care discounts

Job summary

VCA Canada in Bedford, NS seeks a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join a warm, collaborative team. You’ll welcome clients, handle front-desk tasks, and support clinical staff while growing through hands-on mentoring.

Experience is valued and all levels are welcome. The role emphasizes compassionate pet care, strong communication, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced setting within Bedford, NS.

Qualifications

• Warm, compassionate client service approach.

Responsibilities

• Greeting patients and pet parents with empathy and care.

Skills

Client service

Compassionate care

Calm under pressure

Eager to learn

Team player

Education

Veterinary Assistant certificate

Job description

Veterinary Assistant

Location: Bedford, NS

Employment Type: Full-time

At Bedford Parks Animal Hospital , we welcome a Veterinary Assistant to join our team nested in the developing and vibrant community of Bedford, NS. We welcome all experience levels and passions, and we're committed to helping you grow through hands-on mentoring. Above all, we pride ourselves on nurturing a warm, collaborative, and fun team where you'll feel supported every day.

What You Will Do

• Creating a Warm Welcome: Greeting our patients and pet parents with empathy and care, ensuring they feel welcomed, supported, and appreciated from the moment they walk in.
• Managing Hospital Communication: Serving as our communications hub by answering our multi-line phone system, managing client and referring veterinarian emails, and keeping our schedule running smoothly.
• Coordinating Appointments: Proactively booking visits, scheduling follow-ups, and making outbound calls to keep our patient care on track.
• Handling Financial Transactions: Guiding pet owners through the invoicing and billing process with clarity and compassion, confirming estimates, and processing payments.
• Maintaining a Comforting Space: Keeping our reception lobby and common areas clean, tidy, and welcoming for both pets and their families.
• Supporting Our Clinical Team: Eagerly stepping up to assist our veterinary staff with various tasks and treatments, and continuously learning new veterinary services and medical office procedures.

What You Bring

• A warm, compassionate heart with exceptional client service skills and a nurturing approach to pet care.
• A Veterinary Assistant (VA) certificate or equivalent clinical experience.
• The ability to stay calm, gentle, and adaptable under pressure and in fast-paced medical situations.
• A genuine eagerness to learn, grow your clinical skills, and support our veterinary team with daily treatments.
• A self-motivated team player who confidently takes initiative and works well both independently and collaboratively.

What We Can Offer You

• Competitive compensation that reflects your skills, experience, and the role.
• RRSP Employer Group Match Program (5%) to help you save for the future.
• Paid time off for continuing education, vacation, sick days, and personal wellness days.
• Annual CE Allowance.
• Benefits: Minimum 24 hours per week for eligibility, with flexible options.
• Paid annual certification memberships and uniform allowance.
• Mental health support tools and resources: Virtual health care (telemedicine), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and digital wellness tools supporting mindfulness, sleep, and physical fitness.
• Various career development pathways.
• Generous personal pet care discounts and lifestyle perks, including exclusive shopping discounts and access to a wellness app.

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. Most recently, we received 2026 Great Place to Work® Certification™ Canada.