Surgery Veterinary Assistant Positions Available at BBVSH
Come live and work on the stunning West Coast of Canada, where ocean views, mountain trails, and a vibrant city lifestyle are all within reach. Located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, our region offers a mild climate year-round and access to some of the country’s best outdoor recreation—including hiking, skiing, kayaking, and more. Whether you're drawn to the natural beauty, the cultural diversity, or the thriving veterinary community, the West Coast is an exceptional place to build your career.
About BBVSH
Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) is built on a foundation of teamwork, respect, and a shared commitment to lifelong learning. We were voted Canadian Veterinary Medical Assocation’s (CVMA) Practice of the Year in 2025. Our doctors registered veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, customer service representatives and support staff, form a highly collaborative team that supports one another across services to provide exceptional patient and client care.
We offer a wide range of specialty services, including surgery, oncology, neurology, critical care, internal medicine, radiology, cardiology, behaviour, and physical rehabilitation.
About the Role
Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) is looking to add experienced Surgery Veterinary Assistants (VA) with 1+ years experience to join our dynamic hospital.
The ideal candidate would:
- Graduate from a Veterinary Assistant, Office assistant or Veterinary Technician Assistant program or have gained experience working in a veterinary clinic or hospital
- Have a willingness to learn more regarding veterinary care and services
- Create a positive, low stress environment for our patients and clients
- Have a compassionate and nurturing attitude
- Have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Have the ability to adapt to changing situations
- Efficient in carrying out assignments independently
- Take initiative to complete tasks
- Work well under pressure
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare the operating room, surgical packs, and equipment; ensure sterility standards are maintained.
- Support VA/RVT teams with orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgical cases such as TPLOs, fracture repairs, total hip replacements, hemilaminectomies, craniotomies, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, and other advanced procedures.
- Assist with patient transfers to ICU post-operatively and ensure smooth communication between teams.
- Safely restrain and handle patients for examinations, imaging, blood collection, wound care, and specialty procedures.
- Assist RVTs and veterinarians during sedated procedures, ensuring proper monitoring, documentation, and patient comfort.
- Provide attentive nursing support, including patient walks, feeding, basic treatments under guidance, and monitoring during recovery.
- Assist with set-up, positioning, and support during advanced imaging (CT, MRI, radiographs, ultrasound).
- Prepare patients and equipment for procedures such as myelograms, CSF taps, endoscopy, biopsies, and specialty diagnostic testing.
- Maintain sterile technique when assisting with neurology and surgery procedural preparation.
Hospital Operations & Workflow
- Maintain a clean, organized, and stocked workspace, including treatment areas, procedure rooms, and ORs.
- Restock medications, supplies, and equipment for daily department operations.
- Assist with daily laundry, cleaning protocols, and general hospital upkeep.
- Support adherence to workflow, safety, and communication standards across departments.
Qualifications
- Minimum 1+ years experience as a Veterinary Assistant or equivalent animal care role (specialty experience preferred but not required).
- Confident and skilled in safe patient handling for small and large dogs as well as cats.
- Strong understanding of veterinary medical terminology, sterile field etiquette, and basic monitoring of sedated patients.
- Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
- A passion for patient care, learning, and supporting a collaborative hospital environment.
Schedule & Compensation
- Full-time, 4–5 day work week depending on department needs.
- Shifts may include early mornings, evenings, and rotating weekends.
- Competitive compensation based on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package available after probation.
What BBVSH offers:
- Medical and Dental plans
- Uniform allowance
- Substantial staff pet discounts
- Mentorship and support from our hospital teams
- Professional development through our in- house continuing education events
Take a tour of our hospital:
http://bbvsh.com/tour
Due to the number of applications we receive, we will only be looking for candidates that can fill full-time hours and commit to at least 1 year of employment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $18.50-$23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Surrey, BC V4N 5H3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Are you looking for full-time or part-time work?
Work Location: In person
