Criticalist, Small Animal

About the Role

Guardian Veterinary Centre is recruiting a Board-Certified Criticalist to lead small animal emergency and critical care at this thriving 24-hour specialty referral hospital in Edmonton. You'll work alongside established Surgery and Internal Medicine teams, managing complex cases referred from across Northern Alberta, Northern BC, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Whether you're seeking full-time, part-time, or a customized schedule, the practice is flexible and committed to creating arrangements that fit your lifestyle and professional goals.

This is a genuine opportunity to practice high-level critical care medicine in a collaborative, team-based environment where your leadership and clinical skills are valued. The hospital has built strong relationships within the referral community over 12 years, offering a steady caseload and room for growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide board-certified critical care medicine for small animal emergency and referral patients
• Lead and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of specialists and support staff
• Manage multiple concurrent caseloads with strong communication and clinical judgment
• Build and maintain relationships with the regional referral veterinary community
• Contribute to a culture of excellent patient care, client service, and compassionate medicine

Requirements

• Board-certified in veterinary critical care (or residency-trained and eligible to sit for board examination)
• Licensed or eligible for licensure in Alberta
• Demonstrated experience handling multiple concurrent caseloads
• Cooperative, team-based approach to medicine with exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills
• Excellent communication with colleagues, clients, and the referral community

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus: $100,000 (for board-certified candidates)
• RRSP 5% employer group match program
• VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program
• VCA Academy Mentorship Program (six-month tailored mentorship with ongoing support)
• Medical library access (2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research databases)
• Continuing education benefits and allowance
• Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees covered
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Paid vacation time, paid sick days, and paid wellness days
• Employee assistance program
• Virtual healthcare with quick access to quality care
• E-tools for wellness (meditation, sleep, exercise, focus support)
• Referral bonus rewards
• Career and leadership development opportunities
• Opportunities to give back through VCA Canada community initiatives

About the Practice

Guardian Veterinary Centre is a 24-hour specialty and emergency referral centre operated by VCA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals committed to delivering world-class medicine with hometown care. With an established caseload and 12 years of trusted relationships in Edmonton, the practice is led by doctors and staff dedicated to core values of respect, compassion, and a progressive work environment. The hospital features robust emergency, surgery, and internal medicine departments, serving an expanding referral base across Western Canada and the territories.

VCA Canada is part of Mars Veterinary Health and employs over 4,000 Canadians across the country. In 2026, VCA Canada was named one of Alberta's Top Employers for the third consecutive year and selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People—recognizing exceptional workplace practices and commitment to employee development.

Why Edmonton?

Edmonton offers over 7,300 hectares of urban parkland spanning the North Saskatchewan River valley—Canada's largest urban park system. The city hosts world-renowned festivals (Folk Fest, Fringe Festival, Symphony under the Sky, Ice on Whyte). The majestic Rocky Mountains and Jasper and Banff National Parks are a short drive away, offering world-class hiking, camping, rafting, and skiing. Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers NHL team, attracts top entertainment acts. As Alberta's capital with a metro population over 1.3 million, Edmonton features the University of Alberta (40,000+ students) and robust cultural, dining, and entertainment options.