Veterinary Assistant

About the Role

This is your opportunity to grow your hands-on veterinary skills in a fast-paced specialty and emergency environment. At Central Toronto Veterinary and Referral & Emergency Clinic (CTVRC/EC), you'll support Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency & Critical Care teams delivering high-level patient care. Working 10 or 12-hour shifts with built-in recovery time between blocks, you'll gain exposure to diverse cases while maintaining a realistic work-life balance.

You'll be essential to patient flow—preparing diagnostic trays, comforting hospitalized pets, restraining animals safely, and maintaining aseptic surgical environments. This role offers real responsibility and mentorship in a locally owned specialty practice where your contributions matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with diagnostics and procedures including Fine Needle Aspirates, Tru-Cut Biopsies, and surgical anesthetic setups
• Provide compassionate animal restraint and ensure safety for patients and team members
• Maintain patient comfort with clean bedding, gentle handling, and attentive care
• Clean, sterilize, and prepare surgical instruments while maintaining aseptic technique
• Support surgery teams on procedures such as fracture repairs and mass removals
• Keep the clinic organized, clean, and welcoming for staff and clients

Requirements

• High school diploma (post-secondary animal care program preferred)
• Minimum 1 year hands-on experience in animal care (veterinary clinic, shelter, wildlife centre, or similar)
• Calm, confident demeanour with strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to multitask under pressure and provide excellent client service

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay: $20–$22/hour, based on knowledge and skill level
• Shift premiums: $3/hour for overnight shifts (7pm–7am) and $2/hour for weekend shifts (7am–7pm)
• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) access
• Exclusive discounts on premium pet care
• Paid time off and wellness days
• Provided uniforms and staff appreciation events
• Opportunities for growth and learning in a specialty setting
• Supportive, collaborative team environment with genuine work camaraderie

About the Practice

CTVRC/EC is a locally owned and operated specialty referral and emergency centre in Toronto, Ontario, providing Internal Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, and Emergency Medicine services. The practice values equity, diversity, and inclusion and fosters a supportive, collaborative culture where staff genuinely enjoy working together. As part of the Ethos Veterinary Health network—a premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America—the clinic combines the personal touch of a locally managed operation with access to cutting-edge technology and evidence-based medicine.

The facility's unique rotation model ensures consistent 10 or 12-hour shifts with built-in downtime to recharge, creating a more balanced schedule than traditional high-volume practices. In accordance with Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, CTVRC/EC provides accommodations throughout recruitment and selection to support all applicants.