About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Veterinary Surgery Assistant who will support surgeons and animal health technicians in a busy emergency and referral hospital. Daily tasks include assisting in surgeries, patient care, and maintaining cleanliness in treatment areas. It's an individual contributor role focused on hands-on support in a fast-paced environment.

Good fit

Ideal candidates are energetic, self-motivated, and have prior veterinary experience, preferably in a clinic setting. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential for thriving in this team-oriented atmosphere.

Worth noting

The position offers a flexible schedule with potential on-call hours and emphasizes ongoing education with a continuing education allowance. The role also includes various employee benefits, including a generous pet care discount.

Veterinary Assistant

Location: Calgary, AB

Department: Surgery

The Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre CARE Centre is welcoming a full-time Veterinary Surgery Assistant to join our dedicated and dynamic pet healthcare team. The CARE Centre is a 24-hour emergency and referral specialty hospital. We are committed to supporting pet owners and the veterinary community by providing the highest level of emergency and referral care.

The primary role of the Surgery Tech Assistant is to assist the AHTs and Surgeons with daily tasks and patient care.

Perform proper restraint techniques when assisting AHTs and Surgeons to assess and treat patients.
Assist Surgeons and AHTs while they collect samples, take radiographs and prepare for surgeries.
Scrub into surgeries and assist Surgeons during procedures.
Clean and autoclave instruments using proper aseptic techniques.
Provide physical and emotional support for patients.
Help to maintain the hospital treatment areas and ensure general cleanliness.

Our team members are passionate about pets and their people. The ideal candidate will be energetic, self-motivated, outgoing and possess strong organizational skills. The CARE Centre is a fast-paced environment, so the ability to multitask is essential. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to thrive in our highly team-based environment, as well as to deliver the exceptional client experience that the CARE Centre is renowned for. An interest in continual learning is supported with a continuing education allowance. Previous or equivalent veterinary experience in a clinic setting is required.

Schedule: 40 hours per week, 4 days a week, including possible on-call on weekdays/weekends.

What VCA Canada Offers

RRSP Employer 5 % Match Program – saving for your future just got easier!
VCA Canada Student Loan RRSP Program – Ask us more!
Medical Library; 2000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research, and more at your fingertips!
Flexible schedules!
Competitive wages and 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
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.

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.

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.

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Aplyr's read

VCA Animal Hospitals is a major player in veterinary care, employing a diverse team from veterinary technicians to corporate controllers.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•VCA offers extensive career opportunities across North America, from entry-level to specialized roles.
•The company provides a comprehensive range of veterinary services, enhancing employee skill development.
•VCA's large network supports career growth and mobility within the organization.

What to watch

•High turnover in client service roles may indicate job dissatisfaction.
•Limited public information about work-life balance and employee satisfaction.
•Corporate structure might limit autonomy for individual hospitals.

Why VCA Animal Hospitals

•VCA is part of Mars, Inc., providing stability and resources from a global corporation.
•The company's focus on preventive care sets it apart in the veterinary industry.
•VCA's integration with Mars Veterinary Health offers unique cross-brand collaboration opportunities.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About VCA Animal Hospitals

VCA Animal Hospitals

vcahospitals.com

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VCA Animal Hospitals is a leading provider of veterinary services in the United States and Canada, offering a wide range of medical, surgical, and preventive care for pets.