Emergency Veterinarian

About the Role

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre is seeking a full-time Emergency Veterinarian to join a dynamic team of board-certified specialists and critical care experts. This role offers something increasingly rare in emergency medicine: a long-term career path with a sustainable shift-rotation schedule and a stimulating yet manageable caseload that doesn't sacrifice your wellbeing for patient care.

You'll work in a respectful, educational, and genuinely collaborative environment where world-class veterinary medicine is the standard. The hospital's 24-hour emergency department is led by three Criticalists and a Critical Care Resident, providing mentorship and support. Your schedule includes rotational shifts covering overnights and weekends, allowing even workload distribution across the team. Specialists also participate in after-hours support, so you're never entirely alone.

This is emergency medicine with purpose—where your passion for trauma, critical care, and team-based practice directly impacts both patient outcomes and your own career trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and critical care to small animals presenting with acute illness, trauma, and life-threatening conditions
• Work collaboratively with board-certified specialists across cardiology, oncology, radiology, surgery, and internal medicine
• Participate in mentoring and coaching team members, contributing to a culture of continuous learning
• Deliver exceptional client communication and service, maintaining strong relationships with referring veterinarians and pet parents
• Contribute to after-hours support for the specialist team when scheduled
• Utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment including CT, digital radiography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and mechanical ventilation

Requirements

• Valid DVM from an accredited university
• Previous emergency medicine experience
• Completion of an internship program (asset)
• Genuine passion for emergency medicine with special interest in trauma and critical care
• Dedication to team-based medicine practices
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues, pet parents, and community
• Passion for coaching and mentoring

Benefits

• Competitive compensation reflecting your skills, experience, and role
• RRSP Employer Group Match Program (5%)
• Paid time off for continuing education, vacation, sick days, and personal wellness days
• Annual CE Allowance
• Comprehensive benefits package (eligibility: minimum 24 hours per week, with flexible options)
• Paid annual certification memberships and uniform allowance
• Mental health support: Virtual health care (telemedicine), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and digital wellness tools for mindfulness, sleep, and fitness
• Career development pathways within VCA Canada's network
• Generous personal pet care discounts and lifestyle perks including exclusive shopping discounts and wellness app access

About the Practice

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre has been a cornerstone of Alberta's veterinary community since 2001. The facility operates as one of Canada's largest and most comprehensive specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, featuring specialists in cardiology, critical care, medical and radiation oncology, radiology, surgery, and internal medicine alongside 24-hour emergency care. The hospital culture prioritizes teamwork and camaraderie, naturally translating into exceptional patient care and community service. Equipment includes digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, fluoroscopy, CT, linear accelerator, mechanical ventilator, and a complete on-site diagnostic laboratory.

WVSEC operates as part of VCA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals headquartered in Calgary with nearly 45 years of commitment to communities, pets, and people across the country. In 2017, VCA Canada joined the Mars Veterinary Health family, strengthening the profession's stability and resources. The organization has been recognized as one of Alberta's Top Employers for three consecutive years (2024–2026) and as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2026, reflecting its commitment to creating exceptional workplaces for its 4,000+ Canadian associates.