Veterinary AssistantDepartment: EmergencyLocation: Edmonton, ABThe ideal candidate for this position will be looking to work in a fast-paced environment with a passion for exceptional veterinary medicine and patient care. Guardian Veterinary Centre's Emergency Department is constantly taking in a wide range of patients with various conditions and needs. We work with an incredible team of RVT's and Veterinarians who are specifically trained in emergency care and are utilized to the fullest extent.With this in mind, as a Veterinary Assistant, the candidate will also have the opportunity to work closely alongside these Technologists and Doctors, creating the utmost standard of care for our patients while gaining immense knowledge and experience within the field.In this position, you will perform the following tasks and more:Assisting Techs and Doctors with restraint for exams, taking vitals, giving medications, placing IV catheters, urinary catheters, NG tubes, drawing blood samples and much moreCaring for patients and providing them with a comfortable, clean and safe environment, providing basic necessities such as food and water, and taking the patients for walks when appropriateAssisting our team during CPR and providing essential help with our critical care patientsCompleting and signing off on cleaning tasks within the hospitalDisinfecting supplies and instruments promptlyMaintaining an organized and tidy environment to keep our hospital running as efficiently as possibleStocking cupboards and drawers with appropriate supplies, towels, blankets, etc.Communicating with clients during handoff of patients, returning patients to owners, and other non-medical needs.Ensuring triaged patients are properly labelled, and their location and information are written on our outpatient boardCross-training in parts of the surgery and internal medicine TA roles for overnight emergency procedures.Cross-Training in the client care/reception role for extra coverage during busy moments.Requirements for this position:Thrives in a demanding and fast-paced workplaceWillingness to cross-train within the hospitalMust be able to remain calm in stressful situations and have flexibility with an ever-changing environmentAbility to multitask and complete tasks in an efficient and thorough mannerMust be able to handle being on your feet for 12 hours or more, bending down or standing for extended periods of time, and lifting patients and supplies when neededHigh School Diploma or equivalentPrevious experience within a hospital or within an animal care role is not required, but is preferableAdequate interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbalMaintaining a positive, professional and compassionate attitude with coworkers and patientsAn ideal candidate would be a competent individual who can work well in a team environment while also being able to think for themselves and work independentlyMust be comfortable working with various animals such as dogs, cats, wildlife and exotics such as reptiles and small animals.Must be able to work 12-hour shifts, including Days, Overnights, Weekends and Stats. The current rotation is 2 weeks of days, then 2 weeks of in-between, then 2 weeks of overnights. Scheduled with no more than 3 days in a row with every 2nd weekend off. *Potential to accommodate a candidate looking for strictly overnight shifts! Please inquire!*What VCA Canada OffersRRSP Employer 5 % Match Program – saving for your future just got easier!A caring culture of Wellness and Appreciation!Competitive wages and benefits!Opportunity to apply for a Veterinary Technician/Technologist scholarship (annual process)Annual uniform allowanceExceptional career development: there is room to grow here!Referral Bonus RewardsOpportunities to give back to your community through VCA initiativesGenerous personal pet care discountsAnd extra perks like shopping discounts and cool wellness apps!Our StoryVCA 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.Click “Apply Now”VCA Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. If you require any assistance, please let us know.If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
