Veterinary Assistant, Lab Assistant, Central Victoria Animal Hospital

VCA Animal Hospitals; Victoria; Hybrid; CAD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP matching (5%)

CE allowance

Paid time off for CE/vacation/sick/pw

Uniform allowance

Mental health resources

Career development pathways

Pet care discounts

Job summary

Central Victoria Animal Hospital, part of VCA Canada, is seeking experienced Veterinary Assistants for our 24hr Emergency team in Victoria, BC. The role focuses on day-to-day lab operations, patient care, and supporting veterinarians.

Responsibilities include running in-house lab machines, QC, and assisting with procedures. Competitive pay is offered with a comprehensive benefits package and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication abilities and patient focus.
• Ability to stay calm in changing clinical situations.
• Strong problem-solving and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Operate in-house lab machines and follow sample handling guidelines.
• Perform QC and servicing of lab equipment.
• Coordinate with service providers for repairs.
• Monitor lab emails and distribute results to DVMs promptly.
• Ensure timely testing and follow-up with team members.
• Train new staff on lab equipment usage.
• Maintain a clean, safe workspace and follow protocols.
• Assist veterinarians and RVTs with tasks and treatments.
• Provide compassionate care including feeding and walking patients.
• Create a positive, low-stress environment for clients and patients.
• Handle general housekeeping and inventory of supplies.
• Assist with reception, payments, and client communication.
• Learn and support veterinary services and office procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Problem-solving

Independent work

Tools

Lab equipment

Computer programs

Job description

Veterinary Assistant, Lab Assistant

Location: Victoria, BC

Compensation: $18.25 to $25.00 per hour depending on experience and skills

Schedule: This position is full-time, with a rotating daytime schedule.

Central Victoria Animal Hospital is welcoming experienced Veterinary Assistants to join our 24hr Emergency team! This unique role will be primarily responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance of our in-hospital lab, as well as other responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

• Operating in-house lab machines, ensuring all sample handling and equipment guidelines are followed
• Completing all necessary quality control and servicing of in-house lab equipment
• Facilitating repairs with our service providers as needs arise
• Monitoring lab email and distributing results/correspondence to appropriate DVMs in a timely manner
• Communicating with team members to ensure any tests/samples requiring follow-up are addressed in a timely manner
• Training new team members on using lab equipment as needed
• Maintaining a clean workspace, following all established safety protocols
• Assisting Veterinarians and RVTs with various tasks and treatments
• Providing compassionate care duties including feeding and walking patients
• Creating a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients
• General housekeeping duties; cleaning, stocking supplies, patient laundry
• Client care such as reception, payments and supportive communication
• Willingness to learn more regarding veterinary services, updated medical office procedures and assist the Veterinary staff with various tasks and treatments

Key attributes

• Exceptional communication skills
• Willingness to learn and perform new technical skills; operating lab equipment and multiple computer programs
• Ability to remain calm in changing situations
• Proficient in problem-solving and adjusting priorities as necessary
• Efficient in carrying out assignments independently
• Takes initiative to complete tasks throughout the day

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.