Emergency Veterinarian

About the Role

Vancouver Animal Emergency & Referral Centre (VAERC) is looking for an Emergency Veterinarian to join their growing team for a 6-month contract position. This is full-time work in a collegial, team-based environment where you'll encounter an exciting and diverse emergency caseload that will keep you engaged and learning throughout your tenure.

You'll be working closely with specialty services—Internal Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, and Radiology—to deliver high-level patient care. The practice emphasizes professional development, continuing education, and a genuine commitment to work-life balance. With onsite diagnostics including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and endoscopy at your fingertips, you'll have the tools to provide excellent care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emergency medical and surgical care to small animals presenting with acute conditions
• Work collaboratively with the emergency team, specialty services, and technicians to manage complex cases
• Lead and mentor emergency veterinarians and veterinary technicians
• Contribute to quality client service and build trust with pet owners during stressful situations
• Work rotating shifts including weekends and statutory holidays
• Utilize critical diagnostic and critical care skills in a fast-paced environment
• Participate in in-house continuing education and professional development opportunities

Requirements

• Valid DVM degree or equivalent, eligible to practise in Canada
• Completed small animal internship OR 2+ years of recent in-hospital emergency experience
• Leadership skills and a collaborative, team-player attitude
• Excellent diagnostic and critical care capabilities
• Strong client communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage multiple cases
• Willingness to train and mentor team members
• Flexibility to rotate through weekends and statutory holidays

Benefits

• Salary: $170,000–$190,000 annually
• RRSP 5% Employer Group Match Program
• VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program (for eligible candidates)
• VCA Academy Mentorship Program—six months of tailored mentorship with ongoing support
• Medical Library Access with 2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, and research materials
• Continuing education benefits
• Career and leadership development opportunities
• Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees covered
• Referral bonus rewards
• Paid wellness days, paid sick days, and paid vacation time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• E-tools for meditation, sleep, exercise, and focus support
• Virtual health care for quick access to quality care
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Opportunities to engage in community initiatives through VCA Canada

About the Practice

Vancouver Animal Emergency & Referral Centre is a full-service emergency and specialty hospital with over four decades of presence in Vancouver. The practice relocated to a state-of-the-art facility in July 2016, and now operates as part of VCA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals committed to positively impacting pets, people, and local communities. VAERC offers Emergency, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, and Radiology services, with a full complement of onsite diagnostics including digital radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, in-house laboratory, endoscopy, CT, and MRI.

VCA Canada, headquartered in Calgary, has been serving the veterinary profession for nearly 45 years and became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family in 2017. The organisation employs over 4,000 Canadians across the country and has been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for the third consecutive year (2026), plus a Top Employer for Young People 2026. The practice values a collegial approach to medicine, excellent client service, and genuine commitment to helping team members build fulfilling careers.