Veterinary Assistant

Department: Emergency

Location: Calgary, AB

The Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (CARE Centre) is welcoming a full-time ER Veterinary Assistant to join our dedicated and dynamic pet health care team. The CARE Centre 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.

The primary role of the ER Animal Health Technician Assistant is to assist the AHTs and Veterinarians with daily tasks and patient care. They are also the hands-on caregivers for our patients in the hospital, including feeding, walking and general cleanliness of patients and their housing to make their stay most comfortable.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, self-motivated, outgoing and possess strong organizational skills. The CARE Centre 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, as well as to provide the exceptional client experience the CARE Centre is known to offer. Some of the responsibilities include:

• Perform proper restraint techniques when assisting AHT’s and veterinarians to assess and treat patients
• Assist veterinarians and AHT's while they collect samples, take radiographs and perform ultrasounds
• Provide physical and emotional support for patients
• Help to maintain the hospital treatment areas and ensure general cleanliness
• Other duties as needed for the general maintenance of the ICU and hospital

Schedule: Candidates must be available to work 40 hours per week on 12-hour rotating shifts, 7 days of the week (including weekdays/weekends and overnights) to accommodate the C.A.R.E. Centre’s 24-hour hospital.

At the C.A.R.E. Centre, we believe in exceptional patient care within a progressive and cooperative teaching environment that allows for both professional growth and a balanced lifestyle.

What VCA Canada Offers

• A caring culture of Wellness and Appreciation!
• Access to amazing mini-courses
• Membership and dues
• Wellness days, sick days, and vacation time
• Employee assistance program
• Continuing education benefits; paid to learn!
• Exceptional career development: there is room to grow here!
• Referral Bonus Rewards
• E-tools to assist with meditation, better sleep, exercise, and focus
• Virtual health care (telemedicine) offering quick access to quality care
• Opportunities to give back in your community through VCA initiatives
• Annual uniform allowance
• Generous personal pet care discounts
• And extra perks like shopping discounts and cool wellness apps!

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.

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.