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Animal Helper Jobs in Calgary, AB (NOW HIRING)

How about a stable job that offers excellent advancement opportunities, all while helping build a ... Unloading of animal blood with the use of hoses and pumps; * Lab testing of incoming animal blood ...

How about a stable job that offers excellent advancement opportunities, all while helping build a ... Unloading of animal blood with the use of hoses and pumps; * Lab testing of incoming animal blood ...

How about a stable job that offers excellent advancement opportunities, all while helping build a ... Unloading of animal blood with the use of hoses and pumps; * Lab testing of incoming animal blood ...

How about a stable job that offers excellent advancement opportunities, all while helping build a ... Unloading of animal blood with the use of hoses and pumps; Lab testing of incoming animal blood to ...

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Animal Helper information

See Calgary, AB salary details

$7

$17

$34

How much do animal helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal helper in Calgary, AB is $17.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal helper?

Animal helpers are individuals who assist with the care, handling, and well-being of animals in various settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. Their duties often include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and helping with enrichment activities. Animal helpers play a crucial role in ensuring animals are comfortable, safe, and healthy, and may also assist with adoptions or educational outreach. This job requires compassion, patience, and a genuine love for animals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal helper?

To thrive as an Animal Helper, you need a basic understanding of animal care, behavior, and handling, often supplemented by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, feeding systems, and record-keeping software is typically required. Patience, compassion, and strong communication skills are crucial for effectively working with both animals and people. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and proper care of animals while supporting smooth collaboration with colleagues and pet owners.

What are common challenges faced by animal helpers when working in shelters or rescue organizations?

Animal Helpers in shelters or rescue organizations often encounter challenges such as managing the emotional stress of caring for abused or neglected animals, handling a high volume of animals with varying needs, and ensuring proper sanitation and safety. Additionally, they may need to coordinate with veterinarians, trainers, and volunteers, which requires strong communication and teamwork skills. Adaptability and compassion are essential for balancing animal welfare with organizational protocols and resource limitations.

What is the difference between Animal Helper vs Animal Care Assistant?

AspectAnimal HelperAnimal Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, rescue centers, pet storesVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in shelters and rescue organizationsWidely used in veterinary clinics and animal care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for entry-level animal support rolesIndividuals seeking more specialized animal care positions

Animal Helper roles typically involve assisting with basic animal care tasks in shelters or rescue centers, often requiring minimal formal certification. Animal Care Assistants usually work in veterinary clinics or more structured environments, often with certifications or training. Both roles support animal well-being but differ in work setting and responsibilities.

What kind of jobs help animals?

Animal Helper is a job that involves caring for and assisting animals in shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos, or wildlife rehabilitation centers. These roles often require knowledge of animal behavior, basic medical skills, and compassion, with some positions needing certifications or training in animal care. Such jobs typically involve hands-on work, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals' health and well-being.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Calgary, AB?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Calgary, AB are:

Infographic showing various Animal Helper job openings in Calgary, AB as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,457 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Registered Veterinary Technologist, Marda Loop Animal Hospital

VCA Animal Hospitals

Calgary, AB

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 56 rated veterinary


Job description

Registered Veterinary TechnologistLocation: Calgary, ABRole: Veterinary Technician, Registered Veterinary Technician, Registered Veterinary Technologist, RVT, Vet Tech

Marda Loop Animal Hospital is welcoming a Registered Veterinary Technologist to join our team of skilled veterinary professionals. While our network is large, we still offer that local community feeling, mentorship, and additional training!

  • Have completed a Veterinary Technologist or Animal Health Technologist program.

  • New graduates with knowledge of physical examinations, patient assessment, catheter placement, anesthesia monitoring, radiology, venipuncture, and pharmacy - welcome to apply! We love growing new graduates!

  • Surgical preparation, assisting and patient recovery.

  • Ability to keep detailed and accurate patient records.

  • Compassionate care for our hospitalized patients and their pet parents

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

  • Ability to problem-solve or the ability to ask clarifying questions to help you find solutions.

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills in working with your colleagues and pet parents.

  • Passion to learn more within the role.

  • A love for all companion animals!!

About Us: Marda Loop Animal Hospital is a multi-disciplinary extended-hours practice that has been providing veterinary care in Calgary for over two decades!

Preparing to write your VTNE? We can help!

What VCA Canada Offers

  • RRSP Employer Group Match Program! Saving for your future just got easier with VCA Canada

  • VCA Canada Student Loan RRSP Program - Ask us more!

  • Medical Library; 2000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research, and more at your fingertips!

  • A caring culture of Wellness and Appreciation!

  • Ask us about our mobilization and hands-free radiology!

  • Paid membership and dues

  • Paid 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

  • Access to amazing mini-courses

  • Opportunities to give back to 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.

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.


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