Veterinary Assistant, Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; Calgary; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP match

Education leave

CE allowance

Benefits: 24h/week eligibility

Certification memberships

Job summary

Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre in Calgary provides ER support as an Veterinary Assistant. You will assist Veterinarians and Technicians, ensuring compassionate care for pets and clients, while maintaining a calm, efficient hospital environment.

The role requires flexibility for rotating shifts including weekends/evenings/holidays. Prior veterinary experience or relevant certification is an asset, with opportunities for professional growth and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Exceptional client service skills that build trust and loyalty.
• Compassion and a nurturing attitude when providing care to clients and patients.
• Ability to remain calm and efficient in stressful situations.
• Initiative in carrying out assignments independently.

Responsibilities

• Assisting Veterinarians and Technicians with various tasks and treatment of pet patients.
• Providing compassionate care duties including feeding and walking patients.
• General hospital maintenance, including cleaning kennels.
• Patient handling and restraint.
• Running lab work and aiding with diagnostic imaging.
• Working closely with the ER team to support patient care in the ICU.

Skills

Client service

Compassion

Calm under pressure

Initiative

Job description

Veterinary Assistant

Location: Calgary, AB

Department: ER

Schedule: This is a full-time position with a rotating shift schedule, so flexibility is required to work weekends/weekdays/evenings/overnights/holidays.

Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre is welcoming an experienced ER Technician Assistant to join our fun and motivated team of professional pet health caregivers.

The successful candidate will be a believer in the possibilities of high-quality veterinary medicine and patient care—with the expertise and technical know-how to make them happen.

In this position, you will be supporting our Doctors and Technician teams by creating a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients. Veterinary experience or certificate would be an asset to this role.

What you need:

• Exceptional client service skills that build trust and loyalty

• Compassion and a nurturing attitude when providing care to clients and patients

• Ability to remain calm and efficient in stressful situations

• Initiative in carrying out assignments independently

Duties will include:

• Assisting Veterinarians and Technicians with various tasks and treatment of pet patients

• Providing compassionate care duties including feeding and walking patients

• General hospital maintenance, including cleaning kennels

• Patient handling and restraint

• Running lab work and aiding with diagnostic imaging

• Working closely with the ER team to support patient care in the ICU

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

About Us

Western strives to provide our employees with a respectful, educational, productive, fun and collaborative work environment where the primary goal is to provide world-class veterinary services and patient care. We offer a dynamic team environment, encompassing specialty and emergency services, in a state of the art facility. Candidates should have technical skills, exceptional client service skills and excellent communication skills.

At VCA, your passion for medicine and compassion for pets and people is matched with a commitment to your professional growth. Only VCA can offer opportunities such as continuing education, transfer, specialization, and leadership opportunities.

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.