Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is seeking a residency-trained or Board-certified Criticalist (permanent, full-time) to join our specialty health care team.
Our critical care department is a busy, established service that works closely with both the ER and specialty services. The candidate’s responsibilities will include further advancing the Critical Care department, primary management of critical ER and inpatients, support and mentorship of the Emergency department, and teaching and mentoring interns and support staff.
Our hospital offers a challenging, quick-paced, high-adrenaline work environment where teamwork and high-quality care are at the heart of what we do. We espouse the values of a collegial and team-based approach to medicine, excellent client service, continuing education, and work-life balance. We are committed to supporting pet owners and the veterinary community by providing the highest level of emergency and referral care.
Opportunities for professional development abound, including teaching of interns and UCVM students as well as formal mentorship for our internship program. A full complement of on-site diagnostics includes digital radiography, ultrasound, in-house lab, endoscopy, fluoroscopy, CT, and a fully equipped ICU. Join our team of board-certified specialists in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiology, Radiation Oncology and Critical Care!
As our ideal Candidate, you have:
A valid DVM degree or equivalent, enabling practice in Canada
Candidates must be board-certified (AVCECC or ECVECC) or residency-trained (and eligible to sit for the board examination) in Critical Care.
A license in Alberta or eligibility to be licensed with the ABVMA.
Strong leadership skills combined with a positive team player attitude, to enable our teams to flourish
Excellent diagnostic and critical care skills with expertise in ventilation
Exemplary customer service that builds loyalty and trust with your clients
Strong organizational skills, which allow you to stay focused and work under pressure
The drive and ability to help train and mentor interns and technicians
What We Can Offer You
RRSP 5% Employer Group Match Program!
VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program - Ask us more!
VCA Academy Mentorship Program, a six-month tailored mentorship program with ongoing support
Medical Library Access; 2000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research, and more at your fingertips!
Continuing education benefits - we know you love to learn!
Career and leadership opportunities
Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees
Referral bonus rewards
Paid wellness days, paid sick days, paid vacation time
Employee assistance programs
E-tools to assist with meditation, better sleep, exercise, and focus
Virtual health care offering quick access to quality care
Professional liability insurance coverage
Opportunities to give back in your community through VCA Canada initiatives
Our Story
VCA Canada is a network of veterinary hospitals, with our head office in Calgary, Alberta, committed to positively impacting pets, people, and local communities for nearly 45 years. We have compassion for the neighbourhoods we serve and every pet within them, not just those we see in our hospitals. Every VCA Canada hospital location takes pride in its legacy of excellence, earning the trust of pet owners by delivering the highest quality of medicine to keep pets happy and healthy.
In 2017, VCA Canada became part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, solidifying an even stronger commitment to ensuring the strength and stability of the veterinary profession and our commitment to pet parents nationwide. VCA Canada is also passionate about providing an industry-leading Associate experience to over 4,000 Canadians employed across the country. In 2026, for the third year in a row, we were named one of Alberta's Top Employers, which recognizes organizations whose head offices are located within the province and lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Additionally, we were selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People 2026, which recognizes employers across Canada that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work and programs for young people starting their careers. Most recently, we received 2026 Great Place to Work® Certification™ Canada.
VCA Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. If you require any assistance please let us know.
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.
We are committed to hiring military and Veteran spouses and encourage you to identify your connection with the MSEN when reaching out to us or applying to any of our open roles.
Have questions or want to learn more about us? We would love to hear from you!
Please use the below link to send us an email.
Whenever possible, reach out to a named contact rather than a general inbox - it helps ensure a quicker, more personalized response. If you hit a bounce-back, let us know at
VCA Canada Animal Hospitals is a family of over 150 small animal veterinary practices located across 6 Canadian provinces. Our team of over 4,000 Associates provides our communities with general, emergency, and specialty services in our practices, offering compassionate care for pets and their families. Our purpose of caring for life’s greatest companions is felt in every part of the VCA Canada experience, whether it is our patients, our clients, our team members, or our communities.