Veterinary Assistant

If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join

The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life. The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request. 

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will be responsible for providing daily care for all animals housed at the Animal Services Centre. Primary duties include:

• Provide food, water, treats/enrichment, and litter to the animals in the care of Animal Services Centre.
• Clean and disinfect shelter, animal cages and kennels. This includes moving cats/dogs from dirty cages/kennels to clean ones; removing feces, leftover food, and food/water dishes; and using a pressure washer and floor scrubber while following cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
• Operate a dishwasher to clean and sanitize food dishes, and a laundry washer and dryer to clean dirty laundry.
• Monitor if animals ate or drank an appropriate amount of food or water on a daily basis, noting if an animal has eliminated an appropriate amount of feces or urine.
• Report unusual findings by documenting them into the Chameleon database and communicate with the Animal Health Technologists and/or Veterinarian.
• Handle dogs and cats to move from one kennel to another or take dogs to outside exercise compounds.
• Book animals on intake, including administering vaccinations, determining age and gender, and noting any visible health concerns.

Qualifications 

• A High School Diploma or equivalency (e.g. GED) and at least 2 years of experience in a vet clinic or animal shelter setting.
• Experience with animal handling within the last 5 years is required.
• Certification as a Veterinary Technician Assistant will be considered an asset.
• Previous experience using the Chameleon database will also be an asset.
• Success in this position requires strong communication skills and excellent team work and organizational skills.

 Working Conditions: Regular exposure to barking, cleaning chemicals, upset clients and frequent exposure to potentially larger hazards such as infectious diseases, animal bodily fluids, and needles. Personal protective equipment is used as required.  Pre-employment Requirements 

• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.     

Pre-employment Drug Test: An offer of employment for this position will be conditional on an applicant passing a pre-employment drug test. This test assesses for use of drugs including cannabis. Failure to pass a pre-employment drug test may prevent an applicant from being hired into any safety sensitive position for a period of up to twelve months.

Position and Pay Information

• Business Unit: Emergency Management & Community Safety 
• Union: CUPE Local 37
• Position Type: 1 Temporary (up to 12 months)
• Compensation: $36.85 - 40.81 per hour
• Hours of work: Non-standard 38 hour work week.
• Days of work: This position works Sunday from 7:30am-5:00pm and Monday to Wednesday from 8:00am-5:30pm.
• Location: 2201 Portland Street SE
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: August 27, 2026
• Job ID: 315122