Animal Care Attendant

Job summary

The incumbent provides husbandry care for patient and teaching animals while supporting clinicians and veterinary technicians in the hospital. Duties include cleaning facilities, monitoring animal health, and assisting with administrative tasks such as billing and medical record organization.

Job details

Department: Companion Animal HospitalPosition covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120Temporary full-time from 10/13/2026 to 10/12/2027 with possible extension.Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) General Purpose Reporting to the Manager, Patient Care and Service Delivery the incumbent provides husbandry care of patient and teaching animals at the OVC HSC and supports the Clinicians, Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and students of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program. The incumbent will be cross trained in other areas of the Health Sciences Centre as they may need to support other units in times of operational need. Animal Housing positions at OVC HSC include Animal Care Attendants (Companion Animal Hospital) and Agricultural Assistants (Large Animal Clinic). Duties and Responsibilities Assist with restraining, handling and transporting companion/large animal patients, research and teaching animals. Clean and sanitize cages, runs, stalls and ancillary equipment according to established procedures. Stock areas with appropriate supplies and maintain equipment logs. Ensure animal welfare by providing animal care and husbandry including, cleaning, grooming, feeding and exercising patients following safety protocols. Monitor changes in animal behaviour/health and report concerns to RVT or Veterinarian. Provide administrative support i.e. billing and organizing medical records and assist with the admission and discharge of client animals. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safety regulations at all times. Requirements 1 year Veterinary Assistant or Animal Care Certificate or related program, and/or a minimum of 1 year of related experience in a Small/Large Animal Clinic setting. Animal Care Certificate or additional courses such as Equine Management or Large Animal Husbandry will be given preference. Demonstrated proficiency in customer service as well as effective organizational and communication skills. Basic knowledge of computers and electronic monitoring equipment would be a benefit. Flexibility in scheduling availability is required. The incumbent will be required to work a variety of shifts including evenings, nights and weekends. The successful applicant will be required to provide proof of rabies titre demonstrating protective immunity following vaccination. Employee Type: Regular Position Number: 10623056 Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 4 USW Local 4120 Wage Grid At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. Posting Date: 09/15/2026 Closing Date: 09/22/2026

What you’ll do

The incumbent provides husbandry care for patient and teaching animals while supporting clinicians and veterinary technicians in the hospital. Duties include cleaning facilities, monitoring animal health, and assisting with administrative tasks such as billing and medical record organization.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a minimum of one year of experience in a small or large animal clinic setting or a relevant Veterinary Assistant/Animal Care certificate. Proficiency in customer service and the ability to work flexible shifts, including nights and weekends, are required.

Listed skills

• Customer service · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Animal Husbandry
• Animal Restraint
• Clinical Support
• Sanitization
• Customer Service
• Medical Records Management
• Animal Welfare
• Communication Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Electronic Monitoring
• Equipment Logs
• Large Animal Care
• Administrative Support
• Animal Care
• Equine Management
• Research
• Veterinary Medicine
• Teaching
• Billing
• Medical Records
• Communication
• Confidentiality
• Health Sciences
• Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
• Scheduling
• Rabies

Job areas

• Healthcare
• Science & Research
• Administrative
• Agriculture
• Animal Care Attendant
• Veterinary Assistant
• Veterinary Technicians and Assistants
• Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers