Veterinary Assistant, Surgery, Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre

VCA Animal Hospitals; Calgary; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP employer match (5%)

Paid time off for CE/vacation/sick/pw

Annual CE allowance

Benefits: 24+ hours weekly eligibility

Uniform allowance

Mental health resources and EAP

Career development pathways

Pet care discounts and wellness app

Job summary

Western Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Centre in Calgary, AB is hiring a full-time Surgery and pack room Veterinary Technician Assistant to join our 24-hour emergency and referral specialty hospital. The role supports AHTs and veterinarians with daily tasks and patient care in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

The ideal candidate is energetic, self-motivated, and organized, with veterinary experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Previous or equivalent veterinary experience is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Energetic, self-motivated, outgoing.

Responsibilities

• Perform proper restraint techniques when assisting AHT’s and veterinarians assess and treat patients.
• Assist veterinarians and AHT's while they collect samples and take radiographs.
• Aide in the preparation for surgery and other procedures.
• Help to maintain the hospital treatment areas and ensure general cleanliness.
• Administration duties including client call backs, filing and faxing.
• Clean surgical suites and autoclave instruments.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Job description

Veterinary Assistant

Location: Calgary, AB

Department: Surgery

Schedule: 40-hour, 4 day/week compressed work week.

Western Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Centre is welcoming a full-time Surgery and pack room Veterinary Technician Assistant to join our dedicated and dynamic pet health care team. Western is a 24-hour emergency and referral specialty hospital. We are committed to supporting pet owners and the veterinary community by providing the highest level of emergency and referral care.

Our team members are passionate about pets and their people.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, self-motivated, outgoing and possess strong organizational skills. Western is a fast-paced environment, so the ability to multitask is essential. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to thrive in our strongly team-based environment. Previous or equivalent veterinary experience is preferred.

The primary role of the Surgery Animal Health Tech Assistant is to assist the AHTs and Veterinarians with daily tasks and patient care.

• Perform proper restraint techniques when assisting AHT’s and veterinarians assess and treat patients

• Assist veterinarians and AHT's while they collect samples and take radiographs

• Aide in the preparation for surgery and other procedures

• Help to maintain the hospital treatment areas and ensure general cleanliness

• Administration duties including client call backs, filing and faxing

• Clean surgical suites and autoclave instruments

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.