Back to jobs
VCA Animal Hospitals

Veterinary Technician Summer Student

Mount Uniacke, Nova Scotia, CanadaPosted 2 days ago
Full-timeonsite

Job Description

Position Summary

The Summer Veterinary Technician Student will support the veterinary team by performing a variety of Kennel Attendant and Patient Care Attendant duties. This role is responsible for providing exceptional care to hospitalized patients, maintaining a clean and safe clinical environment, and assisting with daily hospital operations.

This position offers Veterinary Technician students valuable hands-on experience in a fast-paced veterinary setting, with opportunities to develop animal handling, patient care, and clinical support skills while working alongside experienced veterinary professionals.

The successful candidate is compassionate, dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering high standards of patient care and hospital cleanliness.

Patient Care

  • Provide basic nursing care and comfort to hospitalized patients under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

  • Monitor patient behavior, appetite, elimination, and overall well-being.

  • Walk dogs and provide appropriate exercise and enrichment activities.

  • Feed patients according to prescribed instructions and monitor food and water intake.

  • Maintain clean, comfortable, and safe patient housing areas.

  • Assist with patient restraint during examinations, treatments, and procedures.

  • Report any changes in patient condition to veterinary staff immediately.

Kennel and Boarding Care

  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, runs

  • Ensure hospitalized pets have clean bedding, fresh water, and appropriate enrichment.

  • Administer routine care instructions as directed by veterinary staff.

  • Monitor boarding pets and report concerns promptly.

Clinical Support

  • Assist veterinary technicians with preparing treatment and examination areas.

  • Stock supplies and maintain inventory in patient care areas.

  • Launder bedding, towels, and clinic linens.

  • Prepare equipment and materials for procedures as directed.

  • Assist with patient admissions and discharges when required.

Facility Maintenance

  • Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the hospital.

  • Follow infection control and biosecurity protocols.

  • Clean examination rooms, treatment areas, and common spaces.

  • Dispose of waste according to clinic safety procedures.

  • Assist with general housekeeping duties as assigned.

Client Service

  • Interact professionally and compassionately with clients.

  • Escort clients and pets when required.

  • Answer basic questions and direct inquiries to appropriate team members.

  • Represent the clinic in a positive and professional manner.

Qualifications

  • Current enrollment in a Veterinary Technician/Animal Health Technology program.

  • Genuine interest in veterinary medicine and animal care.

  • Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments.

  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

  • Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.

  • Reliable transportation and punctual attendance.

  • Previous experience working with animals in a veterinary clinic, shelter, kennel, daycare, or farm setting.

  • Familiarity with animal behavior and low-stress handling techniques.

  • Current pet first aid certification.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (23 kg).

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift for extended periods.

  • Ability to safely restrain animals with assistance when required.

  • Comfortable working around animal hair, dander, cleaning chemicals, and bodily fluids.

Skills and Competencies

  • Compassion for animals and their owners.

  • Strong attention to detail.

  • Dependability and accountability.

  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

  • Commitment to patient safety and animal welfare.

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

See Your Match Score

Sign up and Renata will show you how this job matches your skills and experience.

Get Started Free
Veterinary Technician Summer Student at VCA Animal Hospitals | Renata