Veterinarian at Pretoria Animal Hospital

About the Role

Pretoria Animal Hospital, nestled on the edge of downtown Ottawa, is welcoming a Veterinarian (DVM) to join its dedicated team. With over 27 years of caring for surrounding communities, this practice combines the energy of a busy, established operation with the warmth of a close-knit team—colleagues support one another, celebrate successes, and make a meaningful difference every day.

You'll maintain a full schedule of mixed appointments (approximately 10 per shift) while remaining flexible to address walk-ins and urgent patient needs. Your days will focus on preventative care, senior pet health management, routine dental work, and surgical procedures including spay/neuter, laceration repair, umbilical hernia, and basic orthopedic surgery. Above all, you'll build trusted relationships with pet owners through clear communication and compassionate care.

This role offers genuine work-life balance: 4-day work weeks with no weekends, giving you time to enjoy Ottawa's vibrant communities, outdoor activities, dining scene, and cultural attractions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a full schedule of mixed appointments while maintaining flexibility for walk-ins and urgent patient needs
• Deliver preventative care including vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutrition counselling, and wellness planning
• Support senior pets by monitoring health, managing chronic conditions, and maintaining quality of life
• Provide routine dental care—examinations, cleanings, and identification of preventive/follow-up treatment opportunities
• Perform routine surgical procedures: spay and neuter, laceration repair, umbilical hernia, enucleation, and basic orthopedic surgery
• Maintain accurate medical records and follow best practices in patient care and hospital protocols
• Collaborate within a team-based environment, recognizing the vital role every team member plays in delivering exceptional care
• Build and nurture trusted relationships with pet owners and the local community

Requirements

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree
• Licensed or eligible for full licensure to practise veterinary medicine in Canada
• Minimum 2+ years of post-graduate clinical experience
• Flexible availability to work 4 days per week, no weekends
• Strong dedication to team-based medical practices and partnership with RVTs and support staff
• Engaging and empathetic communication skills that build trust with pet parents, colleagues, and the local community
• Clinical confidence in diagnostic, surgical, and dental skills with a commitment to compassionate patient care
• Commitment to providing heart-centred, high-quality veterinary medicine

Benefits

• Competitive compensation reflecting your skills and experience: $110,000–$130,000 per year
• RRSP Employer Group Match Program (5%)
• Paid time off for continuing education, vacation, sick days, and personal wellness days
• Annual continuing education allowance
• Extended health benefits (minimum 24 hours per week for eligibility, with flexible options)
• Paid annual certification memberships and uniform allowance
• Mental health support: virtual healthcare (telemedicine), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and digital wellness tools supporting mindfulness, sleep, and physical fitness
• Career development pathways
• Generous personal pet care discounts and lifestyle perks, including exclusive shopping discounts and wellness app access
• Medical library access: 2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research, and more
• VCA Academy Mentorship Program for new graduates

About the Practice

Pretoria Animal Hospital has earned the trust of Ottawa pet owners over 27 years by delivering compassionate, high-quality veterinary medicine. The practice combines the energy of a busy, established operation with genuine team camaraderie—it's a workplace where colleagues support one another and celebrate successes together.

The practice is part of VCA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals with headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, committed to positively impacting pets, people, and local communities for nearly 45 years. In 2017, VCA Canada became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family, strengthening the company's commitment to the veterinary profession and pet parents nationwide. VCA Canada employs over 4,000 professionals across the country and has been recognized for three consecutive years (2024–2026) as one of Alberta's Top Employers. Additionally, the organization was selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2026 and received 2026 Great Place to Work® Certification™ Canada.