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Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Edmonton, AB · On-site

... Veterinary Assistant, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, etc. ). * Schedule: You have flexible work availability from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, with Saturdays ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Edmonton, AB

... Veterinary Assistant, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, etc. ). * Schedule: You have flexible work availability from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, with Saturdays ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Calgary, AB

... Veterinary Assistant, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, etc. ). * Schedule: You have flexible availability to work Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. From our point of view If you ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Calgary, AB · On-site

... Veterinary Assistant, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, etc. ). * Schedule:You have flexible availability to work Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. From our point of view If you think ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Edmonton, AB

... Veterinary Assistant, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, etc. ). * Schedule: You have flexible work availability from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, with Saturdays ...

LASIK MD

Surgical Assistant

Calgary, AB

... Veterinary Assistant, Medical Device Reprocessing Technician, etc. ). * Schedule: You have flexible availability to work Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. From our point of view If you ...

LASIK MD

Administrative Assistant

Calgary, AB

... veterinary assistant, etc.). * You are looking for a fast-paced, dynamic work environment where your ability to work in a team and excel at multi-tasking will be an asset. * Schedule: You have ...

LASIK MD

Administrative Assistant

Calgary, AB

... veterinary assistant, etc.). * You are looking for a fast-paced, dynamic work environment where your ability to work in a team and excel at multi-tasking will be an asset. * Schedule: You have ...

LASIK MD

Administrative Assistant

Calgary, AB · On-site

... veterinary assistant, etc.). * You are looking for a fast-paced, dynamic work environment where your ability to work in a team and excel at multi-tasking will be an asset. * Schedule: You have ...

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All JobsVeterinary JobsVeterinary Assistant JobsVeterinary Assistant Jobs in Alberta

Veterinary Assistant information

See Alberta salary details

$8

$13

$18

How much do veterinary assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary assistant in Alberta is $13.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $15.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a veterinary assistant worth it?

Veterinary assistants perform tasks such as animal care, cleaning, and supporting veterinarians, often working in clinics or animal hospitals. The role can be rewarding for those passionate about animals but typically offers entry-level pay and requires physical stamina and good communication skills. Career advancement may involve gaining experience or pursuing additional certifications in veterinary technology.

Can I be a veterinary assistant with no experience?

Veterinary assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. Basic skills such as animal handling, communication, and a willingness to learn are valuable, and some employers may prefer candidates with related coursework or certifications. Entry-level roles provide opportunities to gain practical experience in a veterinary setting.

What qualifications do you need to be a veterinary assistant?

Veterinary assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. While formal education is not always required, completing a veterinary assistant training program or certification can improve job prospects. Strong communication skills, basic knowledge of animal care, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

What are some typical challenges veterinary assistants face when working in fast-paced animal clinics?

Veterinary assistants in busy clinics often juggle multiple tasks, such as restraining animals, cleaning exam rooms, assisting with procedures, and communicating with pet owners. Managing high patient volume while maintaining accuracy and compassion can be challenging, especially during emergencies or peak hours. Teamwork, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential to handle shifting priorities and ensure quality care for both animals and clients.

What do veterinary assistants do?

Veterinary Assistants, or vet assistants, help Veterinarians and Veterinarian Technicians in animal care hospitals, animal clinics, or other veterinary facilities. As a Veterinary Assistant, you feed, bathe, and exercise animals in your care. Veterinarian Assistants also restrain animals when the vet examines or treats them. Other job duties may include greeting pet owners when they enter the office, organizing files, and cleaning and sterilizing equipment. Some Veterinary Assistant positions require you to perform lab work, such as collecting urine samples from animals, drawing blood, and administering medication under the supervision of the primary veterinarian or technician.

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

Veterinary Assistants need a basic understanding of animal care, handling, and medical terminology, often supported by a high school diploma or veterinary assistant certification. Familiarity with animal restraint techniques, cleaning protocols, and veterinary software systems is common in this role. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills distinguish exceptional Veterinary Assistants. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal well-being, supporting veterinarians, and maintaining an efficient, safe clinical environment.

What do I need to be a veterinary assistant?

To become a veterinary assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include animal handling, communication, and basic knowledge of veterinary procedures; some employers may prefer certification or on-the-job training. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a veterinary clinic environment are also important.

What is the difference between Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentAssist veterinarians and technicians in clinics, animal shelters, and labsPerform more advanced medical procedures under supervision in clinics and hospitals
Job ResponsibilitiesAnimal restraint, cleaning, basic patient care, clerical tasksPerform lab work, administer medications, assist in surgeries, diagnostic testing
Industry UsageCommon entry-level role in veterinary practicesMore specialized role requiring formal education and certification

The main difference between a Veterinary Assistant and a Veterinary Technician lies in their education, responsibilities, and level of medical involvement. Veterinary Technicians have formal training and perform more complex medical tasks, while Veterinary Assistants focus on basic support and animal care. Both roles are essential in veterinary settings, but technicians typically have greater responsibilities and qualifications.

Is becoming a veterinary assistant worth it?

Veterinary assistants perform basic animal care, assist veterinarians, and often work in clinics or animal hospitals. The role typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and offers opportunities for on-the-job training, with job growth driven by increasing pet ownership and demand for veterinary services.
More about Veterinary Assistant jobs

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

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Alberta are:

What are popular job titles related to Veterinary Assistant jobs in Alberta?

For Veterinary Assistant jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Alberta are hiring for Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alberta with the most Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Veterinary Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary 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 $28,585 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Veterinary Technologist Assistant - Neurology

Pulse Veterinary Specialists & Emergency

Sherwood Park, AB • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Veterinary Technologist Assistant (TA) plays a key role in supporting the Neurology team by assisting with a variety of procedures and treatments, while consistently modeling exceptional patient care and collaborative teamwork at Pulse Veterinary Specialists & Emergency.

The Neurology TA will report to the Lead Specialty Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) and will work closely with the Dr. Casey Smith and other team members to deliver exceptional patient care to ensure all feel welcomed and cared for.

The ideal candidate values maintaining a collegial working culture and prioritizes embracing the strategy, commitments, and goals of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Deliver exceptional patient care.
  • Assist Specialty RVTs and Specialty Veterinarians with various tasks and treatments.
  • Greet patients and their owners as they arrive and show them to an examining room.
  • Provide patient restraint as required during procedures and examinations.
  • Operate, clean, and perform routine departmental maintenance on surgical and hospital equipment.
  • Ensure internal and external hospital cleaning schedules are followed.
  • Perform inventory management of supplies and pharmaceuticals as required, including ordering, receiving, storage, and handling.
  • Provide basic nursing care for hospitalized patients,
  • Performs decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, and storage of surgical supplies.
  • Reports problems or malfunctioning equipment to supervisor
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • MRI safety training would be required to be completed
  • Assist with maintaining practice software including client and patient record management.

  • Openly and proactively communicate updates to Neurology, Specialty Medicine, and management team members.  Prioritize interdepartmental synergy by maintaining open lines of communication with other departments.

  • Follow all hospital standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support efficient and safe operations.
  • Follow all federal and provincial animal health laws and regulations regarding workplace health and safety.
  • Adhere to the hospital’s health and safety policies.

Other duties may be assigned as required.

 

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Minimum of 2 years experience working with animals.
  • Minimum of 1 year experience working as veterinary assistant preferred (preferably in a specialty department).


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Confident working with a wide range of animals and communicating effectively and compassionately with their owners.
  • Demonstrates strong customer service skills with a focus on creating positive client experiences.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities.
  • Adaptable and able to remain calm and composed in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.
  • Skilled in active listening and thoughtful problem-solving.
  • Motivated to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the practice and committed to continuous professional growth.

Company Benefits

Pulse employees receive:


  • Competitive compensation package
  • Continuing education support and benefits
  • Discounts on care for personal pets
  • Coverage of professional dues
  • Uniform allowance
  • Shift differentials where applicable
  • Opportunities for career growth and ongoing professional development
  • Collaboration with a diverse, knowledgeable team offering a wide range of experience