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Animal Assistant Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

International Animal Lounge

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Pet Travel Assistant

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$50K/yr

International Animal Lounge Inc. Position: IAL is looking for a dedicated and passionate Pet Travel Assistant to join our team at our Calgary location, near the Calgary Airport. If you love working ...

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Animal Assistant information

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How much do animal assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal assistant in Alberta is $14.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.58 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal assistant?

Animal Assistants are professionals who help care for animals in a variety of settings, such as veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet boarding facilities, and research labs. Their duties typically include feeding, grooming, exercising, and monitoring animals, as well as cleaning enclosures and assisting veterinarians or other animal care specialists. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals, and may also interact with pet owners and assist with administrative tasks. To become an Animal Assistant, a love for animals, attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Assistant, you need a basic understanding of animal care, handling, and health, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, cleaning protocols, and sometimes specialized software for record-keeping is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you provide quality care and work effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills ensure the safety, health, and well-being of animals while maintaining efficient operations in veterinary or animal care settings.

What are some common challenges animal assistants face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Animal Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing the stress and unpredictability of working with a variety of animals, handling physically demanding tasks, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. They may also need to communicate effectively with veterinarians, pet owners, or other staff members, which requires patience and strong interpersonal skills. To prepare, candidates should develop resilience, maintain physical fitness, and seek training in animal behavior and handling techniques, as well as familiarize themselves with the specific procedures of their workplace.

What is the difference between Animal Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal AssistantVeterinary Technician
CredentialsNone required or basic certificationsLicensed or certified, often requiring an associate degree
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, pet clinics, grooming facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Job DutiesAssist with animal care, cleaning, feeding, basic handlingPerform medical tests, assist in surgeries, administer medications
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal shelters, pet stores, grooming salonsVeterinary practices, animal hospitals, research institutions

Animal Assistants typically focus on basic animal care and support roles, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians have more advanced responsibilities, including medical procedures, requiring certifications or licenses. Both roles work closely with animals but differ significantly in training, duties, and work settings.

What do you need to be an animal assistant?

To become an animal assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience working with animals, and good communication skills. Knowledge of animal care, basic veterinary procedures, and the ability to handle animals safely are important. Some positions may require certifications in pet first aid or animal handling.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Alberta?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Alberta are:

What cities in Alberta are hiring for Animal Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alberta with the most Animal Assistant job openings:

Animal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Assistant job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,541 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Casual Veterinary Assistant, Country Hills Animal Hospital

VCA Animal Hospitals

Calgary, AB

Part-time

PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 53 rated veterinary

Job description

Veterinary AssistantLocation: Calgary, ABPosition Type: Casual Part-time

Country Hills Animal Hospital is hiring a Casual Veterinary Assistant to join their team. At VCA Animal Hospitals, we take our mission statement - your pet's health is our top priority and excellent service is our goal - very seriously. With every opportunity, we aim to exceed each pet owner's expectations.


We're looking for a personable yet highly professional "service extraordinaire" to join us in delivering our mission to our clients and their pets. We are looking for someone who has a positive attitude, great communication and exceptional client service skills that make a lasting impression with our clients!

Your role will be:

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

  • Providing compassionate care duties including feeding and walking patients

  • Technical skills should include knowledge of patient care and restraint, client care, hospital asepsis, and surgical assisting

  • General hospital maintenance including cleaning kennels

What's required?

  • Exceptional client service skills that build trust and loyalty with clients

  • Strong communication skills and ability to work with a dynamic and diverse team

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

  • Ability to remain calm and efficient in stressful situations

  • Positive outlook and enthusiasm for learning

  • Initiative in carrying out assignments independently

  • Previous veterinary education or certificate is preferred

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

Click Apply Now!

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

What VCA Animal Hospitals employees say

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