Veterinary Oncologist

About the Role

Alta Vista Animal Hospital is building something special: a brand-new state-of-the-art specialty and emergency centre opening summer 2025 in Ottawa. They're looking for a Board-certified or Board-eligible Veterinary Oncologist to lead their oncology program and help shape the clinical culture of this expanding team.

You'll be joining 32 experienced veterinarians in a collaborative environment where specialists actively mentor each other and support staff. The hospital receives referrals from over 330 primary care practices and emergency hospitals across the region, giving you a steady stream of challenging, diverse oncology cases. The team is genuinely committed to work-life balance and a respectful, compassionate workplace—not just in mission statements, but in how they actually schedule and run the hospital.

Ottawa itself is a draw: 20 minutes from vibrant downtown with Parliament Hill, world-class museums, and the iconic Rideau Canal (a UNESCO site perfect for paddling, skating, or cycling). Beyond city culture, you've got pristine forests and waterways for hiking, rafting, and winter skiing. The calendar fills with Winterlude, the Canadian Tulip Festival, and Bluesfest.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the oncology service line, managing a complex referral caseload
• Provide board-level diagnostic and critical care expertise within the oncology service
• Mentor interns and veterinary technicians, helping train the next generation of specialists
• Work collaboratively with internal medicine, surgery, critical care, neurology, and emergency teams to deliver integrated patient care
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the referring veterinarian community
• Leverage advanced diagnostic imaging (64-slice CT, 0.25T MRI, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, endoscopy) to support clinical decision-making

Requirements

• Valid DVM degree (or equivalent) with eligibility to practice in Canada
• Board-certified by ACVIM or residency-trained in veterinary oncology (board-eligible candidates considered)
• Current or eligible for Ontario veterinary licence (CVO registration)
• Strong leadership skills combined with a genuine team-player attitude
• Excellent diagnostic and critical care skills
• Proven ability to build client loyalty through exemplary customer service
• Organizational skills to stay focused and manage pressure in a busy referral environment
• Willingness to mentor and train interns and technicians

Benefits

• RRSP Employer Group Match Program
• VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program (ask for details)
• Health and dental insurance
• Uniform allowance
• Professional dues covered
• Continuing education allowance
• Immigration and relocation support
• In-house medical library (24/7 access, online and on-site)
• Commitment to work-life balance with collaborative scheduling
• Career growth and leadership opportunities within VCA Canada's national specialist network
• Supportive hospital culture with on-site management (emergency and specialty doctors)

About the Practice

Alta Vista Animal Hospital is a well-established, 66-year-old emergency and specialty referral centre in Ottawa. It currently operates from a 24,500 sq ft facility and is moving into a cutting-edge 52,000 sq ft, two-level purpose-built centre in summer 2025. The new facility will include seven operating theatres, 159 parking spaces, and a full suite of advanced diagnostic imaging: CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, radiology, echocardiogram, and ultrasound.

The hospital is part of VCA Canada, a national network of veterinary practices, which provides access to shared resources, continuing education, and a robust community of specialists. The team culture is built around the values of Respect, Compassion, and collaboration—backed by a proactive on-site management team (including emergency and specialty doctors) that actively implements the protocols, procedures, and equipment the medical team needs to thrive.