Turn your interest and passion for animal care and welfare into a career.

The one-year, two-semester Veterinary Assistant Ontario College Certificate program provides you with a strong foundation of theory and practical skills necessary to provide quality care and support in veterinary and animal care settings. Areas of study include animal handling and restraint, surgical preparation, common diseases, animal behaviour, laboratory procedures, grooming techniques, business practices, and client services. The development of strong interpersonal and communication skills is emphasized. The program relies on a variety of course delivery formats including traditional in-class labs and lectures, as well as on-line and hybrid courses and off-site labs. The focus is primarily companion animal care, with additional information on large animal, shelter animal and laboratory animal care.

Employment opportunities for veterinary assistants are varied and may include veterinary clinics, animal shelter and rescue organizations, wildlife sanctuaries, research facilities, grooming and pet care businesses.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently.
• Enjoy working as a team member.
• Are receptive to direction, able to multitask, and work efficiently.
• Can apply theoretical knowledge into practical skills.
• Have flexible schedules and can perform shift work including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Possess good communication and interpersonal skills, and can develop positive professional relationships with coworkers and clientele.
• Are dedicated to providing quality and compassionate animal care.
• Are comfortable working in a clinical setting and handling biological materials such as urine, feces, and blood.
• Are able to lift and carry up to 25kg, stand for long periods of time and handle a physically demanding environment.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in areas such as veterinary clinics, laboratory animal research facilities, grooming salons, animal shelters, boarding facilities and retail pet supply outlets.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify and provide for the basic and specialized needs of a variety of domestic, exotic and laboratory animals.
2. Restrain and manage companion animals safely in clinical situations.
3. Administer medications by common drug routes under the supervision of a veterinarian.
4. Assist with the administration and monitor the use of common chemical restraint agents.
5. Prepare instruments, equipment and the physical environment for surgery.
6. Prepare for and assist during surgical procedures.
7. Assist in the production of standard diagnostic radiographs.
8. Collect and process samples and perform basic diagnostic tests.
9. Perform select laboratory tests.
10. Provide client education related to animal care.
11. Document and record patient care using established guidelines and veterinary practice software.
12. Perform routine veterinary business and client service skills.
13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Program Code 1612X01FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Program Resources

All applicants are expected to own a laptop with a functioning camera and microphone, be computer proficient and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Proof of tetanus, diphtheria and pre-exposure rabies series immunizations are required for program entry by all Level 01 students. Students are responsible for all costs associated with the pre-exposure rabies series. Students are required to submit immunization records to a third-party registration agency. A service fee is applicable.

All Level 01 students are expected to complete online WHMIS and Ontario Health and Safety Awareness training courses provided at no cost by Algonquin College.

The minimum passing grade for all core theory courses is 50%. The minimum passing grade for all clinical-practical sessions and labs involving live animals is 70%.

Students must attend all scheduled on-campus laboratory sessions. Absences adversely affect the success of a student in the program.

Applicants are advised that early morning, evening, weekend and holiday hours are to be expected throughout the program for animal care and off-site labs. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Professionalism and safe working practices are evaluated in all areas of the program and are an important aspect of the student`s success.

Students must successfully complete all program courses to be eligible for VET0050 Field Placement.