Assistant Veterinary Technician

About the Role

This is a temporary 8-week contract position through the Canada Summer Jobs program, offering direct experience in animal care and shelter medicine at a leading animal welfare organization. You'll work with a diverse range of animals, supporting veterinary and medical care while ensuring their health and wellbeing during their time in the facility.

The role involves a 2-week rotating schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM (70 hours bi-weekly). You'll be part of a team dedicated to compassionate animal care and professional animal handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor animal health and wellbeing across the facility
• Provide medical assessments and prescribed treatments under supervision
• Assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians with clinical procedures
• Clean, maintain, and sanitize animal holding areas, facilities, and equipment
• Support and assist clients with animal-related inquiries
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation
• Provide orientation and support to volunteers, students, and work placements
• Represent the Ottawa Humane Society professionally in all client interactions
• Participate in professional development and OHS training activities

Requirements

• Veterinary Assistant Certificate, minimum one year relevant clinical experience, or equivalent combination
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
• Must be between 15 and 30 years of age at employment start
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee protection status
• Valid Social Insurance Number and legal eligibility to work in Canada
• Ability to safely lift and transfer large animals
• Comfort working with all animal species, including potentially aggressive animals
• Willingness to work evening, holiday, and weekend shifts
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of organizational information
• Must wear employer-designated uniform

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in shelter medicine and animal welfare
• Mentorship from experienced veterinary technicians and veterinarians
• Opportunity to work with diverse animal species
• Professional development and training support
• Accessible recruitment process — accommodation available for applicants with disabilities

About the Practice

The Ottawa Humane Society is a leading animal welfare organization committed to providing medical care, shelter, and support services for animals in need. The organization operates with a strong emphasis on professional animal care standards, legislative compliance, and creating a safe workplace for staff and volunteers.

This Canada Summer Jobs position is an ideal entry point for students and early-career professionals exploring veterinary technology and shelter medicine as a career path.