Veterinary Specialist, Critical Care, Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre

VCA Canada Ltd.; Calgary; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP 5% Employer Match Program

Mentorship Program

Continuing education benefits

Wellness days

Job summary

VCA Canada Ltd. in Calgary, AB, invites a residency-trained or Board-certified Criticalist to join our busy Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre Critical Care team.

The ideal candidate will lead primary management of critical ER and inpatients, mentor interns and staff, and help advance the department while delivering high-quality, compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Residency-trained or board-certified in Critical Care.
• Licensed to practice in Canada or eligible for ABVMA license.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Primary management of critical ER and inpatients.
• Support and mentorship of the Emergency department.
• Teaching and mentoring interns and support staff.
• Advance the Critical Care department with collaborative teamwork.

Skills

Leadership

Critical care

Ventilation

Diagnostic skills

Customer service

Organization

Teaching/Mentoring

Education

DVM degree

Board-certified (AVCECC/ECVECC)

Job description

Veterinary Specialist Department: Critical Care

Location: Calgary, AB

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is seeking a residency-trained or Board-certified Criticalist (permanent, full-time) to join our specialty health care team.

Our critical care department is a busy, established service that works closely with both the ER and specialty services.

The candidate’s responsibilities will include further advancing the Critical Care department, primary management of critical ER and inpatients, support and mentorship of the Emergency department, and teaching and mentoring interns and support staff.

Our hospital offers a challenging, quick-paced, high-adrenaline work environment where teamwork and high-quality care are at the heart of what we do.

We espouse the values of a collegial and team-based approach to medicine, excellent client service, continuing education, and work-life balance.

We are committed to supporting pet owners and the veterinary community by providing the highest level of emergency and referral care.

Opportunities for professional development abound, including teaching of interns and UCVM students as well as formal mentorship for our internship program.

A full complement of on-site diagnostics includes digital radiography, ultrasound, in-house lab, endoscopy, fluoroscopy, CT, and a fully equipped ICU.

Join our team of board-certified specialists in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiology, Radiation Oncology and Critical Care!

Ideal Candidate

• A valid DVM degree or equivalent, enabling practice in Canada
• Candidates must be board-certified (AVCECC or ECVECC) or residency-trained (and eligible to sit for the board examination) in Critical Care.
• A license in Alberta or eligibility to be licensed with the ABVMA.
• Strong leadership skills combined with a positive team player attitude, to enable our teams to flourish
• Excellent diagnostic and critical care skills with expertise in ventilation
• Exemplary customer service that builds loyalty and trust with your clients
• Strong organizational skills, which allow you to stay focused and work under pressure
• The drive and ability to help train and mentor interns and technicians

What We Can Offer You

• RRSP 5% Employer Group Match Program!
• VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program - Ask us more!
• VCA Academy Mentorship Program, a six-month tailored mentorship program with ongoing support
• Medical Library Access; 2000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research, and more at your fingertips!
• Continuing education benefits - we know you love to learn!
• Career and leadership opportunities
• Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees
• Referral bonus rewards
• Paid wellness days, paid sick days, paid vacation time
• Employee assistance programs
• E-tools to assist with meditation, better sleep, exercise, and focus
• Virtual health care offering quick access to quality care
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Opportunities to give back in your community through VCA Canada initiatives

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. VCA Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. If you require any assistance please let us know. A leader in veterinary care, VCA Animal Hospitals is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. We are a family of hometown animal hospitals determined to positively impact pets, people and our communities. From primary care to emergency, urgent and specialty care, VCA delivers world-class medicine and hometown care to more than four million pets each year. We invest in cutting-edge tools, training and technology that enable Associates across our national network of hospitals to lead the industry today and into tomorrow. Among our talented 35,000 Associates are nearly 7,000 veterinarians - including 500 who are board-certified specialists - nearly 4,000 credentialed technicians and over 10,000 veterinary assistants - all dedicated to giving pets the very best in medical care. The future of veterinary medicine is in our hands. Join us.