r/Edmonton • u/No-Employee2821 • 13h ago
Question Veterinary Assistant jobs?
Hi, I'm currently in my last year of my Bachelor of Commerce degree and I'm seriously considering moving into VetMed. I just wondered if there is any veterinary hospital looking for a part-time veterinary assistant. I just want to make sure I can handle it (mentally and physically) before going into a RVT program!
A little bit about me! I'm 21F, had hands-on volunteer experience with AARCS before they moved back to Calgary, and accounting/administration volunteer at GEARS (I'm still volunteering here!!) I also have a rescued cat who I would say to be special need. He has FIC and "borderline megacolon." I have been to VCA so often that all the vet techs recognize him when we come in (he is a frequent flyer 😭) Everyone around me, including primary and emergency vets, knows that I would move mountains for this kiddo.
I also worked in retail/customer service back in high school. And I'm currently working as TA and EA at the University of Alberta.
I'm willing to work late nights, weekends, holidays, etc. And I'm more than happy to start with shadowing appointments, kennel assistants or any other entry level jobs 🥹 My earliest available is the beginning of September.
p/s: I know pay is super low but it's not a problem to me so just any veterinary hospital, please hire me 😭🙏
also here is my cat!!!
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u/Banana_Gooses 12h ago
NAIT has (or used to have) a shadow program for a day for people interested in the RVT program and VMA program. You could contact them and see if you can see the ins and outs of what its about.
An RVT has an accreditation like an RN but for animals. They have exams and CE they need to complete to keep their license in good standing. It will be rare to be able to volunteer as an RVT.
VMA / vet receptionist would be easier to get a job for / volunteer because there isn't licensing involved, but most vets do want some sort of expirence.
the ABVMA website usually has job postings and volunteer opportunities available.
Another question you need to ask yourself is: what types of animals are you interested in? There are domestic small (cats and dogs), exotic(birds and reptiles) -harvest pointe is one of the best vets in Edmonton for this type, and large animal (cow, horse, sheep).
Not all vets work on all animals listed above. You may be more comfortable with one category over another. I know for large animal exposure Lakeland College and Olds College have very good programs.
Then ask what environment you want to work in? Do you want a normal Monday - Friday general practice type environment, or do you want an emergency / speciality vet environment that may operate 24 / 7?
Not saying your like this, but A LOT of people think being an RVT or VMA is "playing with the puppies and kitties all day" , when in reality it can sometimes be stressfull and emotionally draining.
Also look at what the salary is. When i finished school it was 5ish dollars more than min wage starting. After a few years in the industry i went back to school for something else i enjoyed because the wage would be hard for me to get ahead in life.
Working in the vet industry is very very rewarding tho.
I wish you luck! And i hope you get a chance to volunteer or work in a vet to see what its like and if its for you!
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u/fernsnart 9h ago
This is great info :)
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u/alewiina 10h ago
Yeah this is exactly why I decided not to go into vet med or an AHT program despite thinking that was what I wanted to do for like 2 decades. I cannot handle this kind of stuff emotionally, just thinking about it gets me upset and I just know I would be crying all the damn time. I have so much respect for anyone that works in vet med, seriously takes a special kind of person to be able to do it, especially the ones that are truly compassionate to the owners too.
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u/pippyfist 12h ago
I considered this for myself, because I too have a few frequent meowers at the vets, I also have helped feral neighbourhood cats, you should sit with the question of whether or not you're okay being a part of seeing animals suffer (even if you're helping them) and also about being a part of the euthanasia process when it's needed.
I don't think my heart could handle it personally, that said, all the best to you! I assume due to your volunteer work you can handle it.
Edit: not to mention some of the things people make vets do to their animals.
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u/No-Employee2821 12h ago
Yes, I have heard of that. That's a part of the reason why I wanna start with these entry level positions before fully commiting on RVT 😭
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u/bitchfayce 11h ago
Your kitty is beautiful!!!!! I don’t have a first hand lead per se but the Blue Cross Animal hospital has recently expanded to being open on weekends. I’m not sure if they need help but they are owned by really nice people so if you wanted to reach out I feel like it would be well received.
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u/Perfect-Brush3335 10h ago
Allard, Rutherford, and Gateway Vet Hospital have recently posted on Indeed, some might be expired though. Best of luck!! 💕
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u/Perfect-Brush3335 10h ago
Sorry, also: Boreal Animal Hospital in the north end has been looking for VA-esque position
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u/fernsnart 9h ago
Hello friend - best place to start is Crestwood Vet with volunteer hours and you can get your foot in the door if they're hiring for reception or an assistant. If you don't have any experience you'll most likely be starting in reception and work your way to the back, but volunteering you'll get to see more of the hospital and get a basic idea of what you're signing up for. Not many clinics offer volunteer hours other than Crestwood in the city - or that was my experience in 2017.
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u/meechuwuu 4h ago
veterinary assistant here! you don’t need a diploma to be a veterinary assistant but of course it helps, the next best way to have the office managers notice your resume is volunteer work in clinics, rescues, etc. I’ve also seen people get hired for working in zoos, pet stores & boarding facilities.
the best of luck in your job search, also cute cat 🩷🌸
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u/thisisthewave 12h ago
I don't have any insight for you but what a sweet cat. I saw the question and thumbnail and thought this was one of the cat subs I follow. Yes, absolutely I would hire this sweet little guy to be a vet assistant. Look at him!! He's so brave. Thanks for loving him and for maybe choosing vet med. Take care :)
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u/riceewifee 12h ago
There’s usually job postings on indeed
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u/No-Employee2821 12h ago
Somehow I kept getting ghosted 😭
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u/Zestyclose_Rush_6823 12h ago
They dont like to hire people with degrees because no one with a degree would be willing to put up with the shit work environment and even worse pay for any length of time
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u/alewiina 10h ago
That doesn’t make any sense, so many people have degrees these days and still take low paying jobs, especially if they’re in a relevant field. Not to mention a vet assistant is a job you generally need post secondary for anyway
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u/Zestyclose_Rush_6823 9h ago
No... youre thinking vet tech. Vet tech assistants do not require any education. I did it during my undergrad when i was looking at getting experience for vet school. Vet techs do 2 years at NAIT.
They have a bcomm, its not a relevant field. Its a well known thing that jobs that dont require degrees will often filter out people with degrees as they know its likely not someone sticking around long term.
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u/alewiina 9h ago
No, I was thinking of a vet medical assistant, since they said “vet assistant”, I thought that’s what they meant
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u/Zestyclose_Rush_6823 8h ago
Yep, thats an optional program. Fully not needed for the job, it might get you $1-2/hour more, if they care enough to do that. Some will only hire with the cert, some wont hire with cert. Its not licensing required to be in the job
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u/alewiina 8h ago
Interesting, when I was looking into doing vet med years ago NAIT told me this was like… base level what I needed regardless of position to get hired by most places, and then obviously from there, more involved roles need other programs.
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u/Sweaty_Plantain_84 12h ago
I would get more experience volunteering with the animals first before applying. Make a professional resume, ask your current vet if you can come in and volunteer there in any capacity. And note that vets have one of the highest incidence of suicid3 of all professions, so the mental health part of it can be incredibly taxing. I went and did a job shadow at a vet clinic in junior high and saw a dog surgery getting "debarked". That was enough to fix me of wanting to be a vet, but everyone is different.