Veterinary Assistant
Department: Surgery

Compensation: $19.00 to $25.00 per hour, depending on experience

Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre welcomes a dependable and caring Veterinary Assistant to join our team full-time.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an organized, motivated, and empathetic individual to join us in an important support role for the entire hospital. The veterinary assistants in our Surgery department play an important role in keeping the service running smoothly and performing a wide range of tasks while assisting with orthopedic, soft tissue, and emergency surgeries.

Assist the veterinary staff with various tasks and treatments

Create a warm and welcoming environment for our pet parents

Create a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our patients and adapt to changing situations

Take initiative and work independently

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

Willingness to learn more regarding veterinary services, updated medical office procedures

Compassion and a nurturing attitude

Veterinary Assistant (VA) or Veterinary Office Assistant (VOA) program certificate is an asset

Schedule
Schedule: Hours of work will generally be Monday to Wednesday (9 am - 7 pm). Candidates should have some flexibility if coverage is needed in other areas of the hospital on various days.

VTA Duties and Responsibilities

High standard of instrument reprocessing and sterilization, striving to ensure fully stocked operating rooms in an efficient manner

Maintenance of equipment and supplies used in our three state-of-the-art surgical units





Assembling and providing surgical supply sets and carts as ordered for scheduled and emergency surgeries

Inventory monitoring, ordering, replenishing and rotating supplies in your work area.

Protected animal restraint and handling of dogs and cats. Must be able to lift up to 20kg patients

Assisting the surgery team with various animal nursing tasks

Above average knowledge on sterile preparation of patients for various surgical procedures, including orthopedic & soft tissue procedures. Ability to scrub in to assist the surgeon is also an asset if needed.

Ability to assist technologists with anesthesia induction of patients for various surgical procedures.

General cleaning duties; cleanliness of operating rooms, sterilization area, pet holding areas, and common areas. Maintaining continuous surgical laundry flow.

Preparing and submitting lab samples to various outside laboratories

Attend staff meetings

Assisting the Board-Certified Specialist and Registered Veterinary Technologists in any other appropriate capacity as requested

Skills and Knowledge

Previous experience in a veterinary setting is beneficial, it is not a requirement.

Completion of a Medical Device Reprocessing course or familiarity with instrumentation and various types of instrument sterilizers (steam/chemical).



Candidates with previous experience in medical device reprocessing in a human medical facility will also be considered.

Recent program graduates who are motivated and confident in their abilities and possess above-average skills are also encouraged to apply.

Superior customer service and outstanding client communication skills

Keen interest in improving and learning new skills with a sense of curiosity

Exceptional organizational skills and a detail-oriented work style

Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Willingness to learn more regarding veterinary services, updated medical office procedures

Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.

Awareness of the hospital's policies and procedures

Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations

Have physical strength and the ability to stand for an entire shift when needed & lift to 20kg

What VCA Canada Offers

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

Wellness and Appreciation !

Competitive wages and benefits!

Prospect 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!

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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📌 Veterinary Assistant, Surgery, Vancouver Animal Emergency & Referral Centre (British Columbia)
🏢 Marsveterinary
📍 British Columbia