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Assistant Vet Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Sage Haus

House Manager & Family Assistant

Edmonton, AB

$25 - $30/hr

House Manager & Family Assistant Employment Type: Part-time (15 hours/week) Proposed Start Date ... We have one daughter (age 9) and a senior cat (16 years old) who requires regular vet visits every ...

Sage Haus

House Assistant

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$28 - CA$33/hr

House Assistant Location: Calgary, AB T3C 3E2 Employment Type: Part-Time | 1520 hours per week ... Help coordinate occasional pet-related needs, such as mobile grooming visits or infrequent vet ...

Sage Haus

House Assistant

Calgary, AB

$28 - $33/hr

House Assistant Location: Calgary, AB T3C 3E2 Employment Type: Part-Time | 15-20 hours per week ... Help coordinate occasional pet-related needs, such as mobile grooming visits or infrequent vet ...

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Assistant Vet information

What is an assistant vet?

Assistant vets, also known as veterinary assistants, are professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal care settings such as clinics, hospitals, and shelters. Their duties often include feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, sterilizing equipment, cleaning examination and operating rooms, and assisting with basic animal care procedures. They play an essential role in ensuring the smooth operation of veterinary practices and the well-being of animals under veterinary care. Veterinary assistants typically do not perform medical diagnoses or surgeries, but they are integral to the daily functioning of animal healthcare teams.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Vet, you need a solid understanding of animal care, basic veterinary procedures, and usually a relevant certification or diploma in veterinary assistance. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and safe animal handling techniques is often required. Strong communication, empathy, and attention to detail help you interact effectively with both animals and their owners. These skills and qualities ensure the safety, well-being, and efficient care of animal patients while supporting veterinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant vets, and how can they prepare for them?

Assistant Vets often encounter fast-paced environments where multitasking and attention to detail are essential. A common challenge is managing the emotional aspects of caring for sick or injured animals while supporting pet owners with compassion. Additionally, Assistant Vets regularly assist with restraining animals, cleaning facilities, and preparing for procedures, which can be physically demanding. Preparing by developing strong communication skills, learning proper animal handling techniques, and maintaining resilience can help candidates thrive in this role.

What is the difference between Assistant Vet vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAssistant VetVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssist veterinarians in clinics, animal hospitals, sheltersWork alongside veterinarians, perform technical tasks, assist in surgeries
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in veterinary clinics, animal sheltersStandard role in veterinary practices, animal hospitals, research facilities

Veterinary technicians typically have formal education and certification, performing more technical tasks than assistant vets, who usually receive on-the-job training. Both roles support veterinarians in animal care, but veterinary technicians have a broader scope of practice and technical responsibilities.

Can I be an assistant vet with no experience?

Becoming an assistant vet typically requires some knowledge of animal care and basic veterinary procedures, but many entry-level positions are available to those without prior experience. On-the-job training is common, and relevant skills such as communication and animal handling can improve your chances of securing a position. Certification or coursework in animal care can also be beneficial for advancement.

Is it hard to get a job as a veterinary assistant?

Getting a job as a veterinary assistant can be competitive, but entry-level positions are often available for those with basic animal care skills and a high school diploma. Relevant experience, certifications such as veterinary assistant training, and a willingness to learn can improve job prospects.

What can you do as a veterinary assistant?

A veterinary assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians by handling tasks such as cleaning and sterilizing equipment, restraining animals during exams and procedures, administering basic treatments, and maintaining medical records. They often work in animal care environments and may need to follow safety protocols and basic training in animal handling. The role typically requires good communication skills and a compassionate attitude toward animals and clients.

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

The most popular types of Vet jobs in Alberta are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Vet jobs in Alberta look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Vet jobs in Alberta are:

What cities in Alberta are hiring for Assistant Vet jobs?

Cities in Alberta with the most Assistant Vet job openings:

Assistant Vet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Vet 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.

Veterinary Receptionist, Client Care, Horizon Vet Group

VCA Animal Hospitals

Calgary, AB

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 19 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Veterinary Receptionist, Client CareLocation:Calgary, Alberta

Horizon Vet Group is currently welcoming a customer service-focusedVeterinary Receptionist, Client Careto join our team. Thisfull-timeopportunity includes a range of responsibilities that directly attributes to the efficient and effective daily operation of the hospital.

  • Create a warm and welcoming environment for our patient and pet parents

  • Assisting veterinary staff with various tasks and treatments when required

  • Ability to answer a multiline phone system and track and book appointments effectively

  • Placing outbound calls to pet parents for follow-up and future appointment bookings

  • Respond and manage email correspondence; clients, referring veterinarians & internal office messages

  • Admitting and discharging pet patients

  • Invoicing/billing; creating estimates, obtaining pet owner confirmation and processing payments

  • Scheduling appointments

  • Excellent customer service skills; a real aptitude for putting people at ease and creating a welcoming environment

  • Strong organizational skills

  • General housekeeping duties; cleanliness of reception area, pet holding areas and common areas

  • Willingness to learn more regarding; veterinary services, updated medical office procedures and assisting the Veterinary staff with various tasks and treatments

What We Can Offer You!

  • RRSP Employer 5 % Match Program- saving for your future just got easier!

  • VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan- Ask us more!

  • A caring culture ofWellness and Appreciation!

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

  • Competitive wages and health/dental benefits!

  • Opportunity to apply for a Veterinary Technician/Technologist scholarship (annual process)

  • Annual uniform allowance

  • Exceptional career development: there is room to grow here!

  • Referral Bonus Rewards

  • Opportunities to give back to your community through VCA initiatives

  • Generous personal pet care discounts

  • 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.

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