Veterinary Oncologist

About the Role

Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Ottawa is building its oncology program with a permanent, full-time position for a board-certified or residency-trained veterinary oncologist. You'll join a team of 32 experienced veterinarians at a busy, multidisciplinary referral center handling a challenging and diverse caseload from over 330 primary care and emergency practices across the region.

The hospital is undergoing a major expansion—this summer, you'll move into a stunning new 52,000 sq ft state-of-the-art facility with seven operating theatres and advanced diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, radiology, ultrasound, and echocardiography). This is an opportunity to help shape oncology services at a growing center while working with equipment and colleagues that support your best work. VCA Canada is genuinely committed to work-life balance; the team and management actively foster a collaborative culture built on respect and compassion.

Ottawa itself is a vibrant capital city—20 minutes from downtown's markets and museums, with Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and endless outdoor recreation nearby. Craft breweries, local food scenes, and seasonal events like Winterlude and the Canadian Tulip Festival make this a city that keeps you engaged year-round. Cycling, hiking, skiing, and water sports are all at your doorstep.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide medical oncology consultations and treatment planning for referral cases across small animal specialties
• Perform diagnostic and critical assessment of oncology patients with expertise in supportive care
• Collaborate with internal medicine, surgery, emergency, and critical care colleagues in a multidisciplinary setting
• Deliver exemplary client communication and customer service that builds trust and loyalty
• Train and mentor veterinary interns and technicians, helping develop the next generation of oncologists
• Work effectively under pressure while maintaining organizational focus and clinical excellence
• Contribute to hospital protocols and quality improvement initiatives

Requirements

• Valid DVM degree or equivalent, with eligibility to practice in Canada
• Board-certified (ACVIM Oncology) or residency-trained in veterinary oncology
• Ontario veterinary licence or eligibility for licensure with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO)
• Leadership skills and positive team-player attitude
• Excellent diagnostic and critical care skills
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and stay organized
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and training junior veterinarians and technicians

Benefits

• RRSP Employer Group Match Program
• VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program (available upon request)
• In-house medical library (24/7 access, online and on-site)
• Competitive compensation package
• Health and dental insurance
• Uniform allowance
• Professional dues coverage
• Continuing education allowance
• Immigration and relocation support
• Career growth and leadership opportunities within VCA Canada's national network of specialists
• Supportive hospital culture with proactive on-site management (including emergency and specialty doctors)
• Commitment to work-life balance and collaborative team environment

About the Practice

Alta Vista Animal Hospital is a large, multidisciplinary 24-hour emergency and specialty referral center in Ottawa, operating from a current 24,500 sq ft facility and expanding to a brand-new 52,000 sq ft state-of-the-art complex in summer 2025. The hospital offers 24-hour emergency service, surgery, internal medicine, critical care, neurology, anesthesia, and primary care—with seven operating theatres and the latest diagnostic imaging including Toshiba Aquilion 64-slice CT, 0.25T Vet MR MRI, Pulsera fluoroscopy, Philips ultrasound and echocardiogram, Karl Storz endoscope, and dual Sound digital radiography suites.

As part of VCA Canada (a division of VCA, the world's largest animal hospital network with 1,000+ locations globally), Alta Vista benefits from shared resources, a strong network of specialists, and continuous access to clinical knowledge and career development opportunities. The practice serves a large referring community of over 330 primary care and emergency hospitals, ensuring a robust and diverse caseload. As the hospital approaches its 67th anniversary in 2025, Alta Vista is reinvesting in its infrastructure and team to continue delivering comprehensive, advanced veterinary care to the Ottawa region.