Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospitals – Stellarton & Dartmouth
Nova Scotia SPCA – Social Enterprise Veterinary Services
Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital is seeking compassionate, skilled Veterinary Assistants (VAs) to join our growing teams in Stellarton and Dartmouth. This is a unique opportunity to support high-quality veterinary care while advancing a model built around Accessible Care—helping remove barriers so more pets can receive the veterinary services they need, and more families can stay together.
We are Eastern Canada’s only accessible care hospitals, operating with a Spectrum of Care approach that provides medically appropriate options across a range of client circumstances. In Stellarton, our model integrates a full-service veterinary hospital with an on-site SPCA shelter. In Dartmouth, we are growing significantly, with a newly renovated hospital that is expanding our ability to serve more pets and families across the region.
Our Accessible Care Focus
Accessible Care means delivering high-quality veterinary medicine in a way that is practical, respectful, and compassionate—without judgment and without assuming every family can pursue the most expensive option. At Tartan Tails, Accessible Care is supported through:
- A Spectrum of Care philosophy that offers multiple medically appropriate pathways
- Clear, kind communication so clients can make informed decisions
- Standard operating procedures that support consistency, safety, and efficiency
- A mission-driven environment focused on keeping pets with the people who love them
What is the Spectrum of Care in Veterinary Medicine?
The Spectrum of Care model ensures patients receive high-quality, individualized medicine while recognizing that not all clients can pursue gold-standard or specialty-level care. At Tartan Tails, this means:
- Presenting multiple treatment pathways, not just one “best” option
- Balancing diagnostics, treatment, and monitoring plans to match client capacity
- Upholding kindness, transparency, and non-judgment in every interaction
Key Responsibilities
- Support veterinarians and RVTs during examinations, treatments, and procedures
- Prepare exam rooms and assist with patient intake, histories, and workflow support
- Provide hands-on patient care: cleaning, comfort, monitoring, and basic nursing support
- Assist with surgical and dental prep (instrument setup, patient prep and recovery support, cleaning/turnover)
- Support high-volume spay/neuter and shelter medicine operations (training provided)
- Maintain hospital cleanliness and infection prevention standards (laundry, disinfection, treatment areas, kennels/cages)
- Stock and organize supplies; support inventory restocking and clinic readiness
- Assist with in-house lab preparation and basic sample handling (as trained and within scope)
- Champion low-stress handling and Fear Free–informed techniques
- Provide warm, professional, and efficient client service when responding to high-volume phone lines and digital inquiries, ensuring clients feel supported and clearly directed
- Contribute to a collaborative, positive, mission-focused team culture
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome both entry-level and experienced Veterinary Assistants.
Entry-level VAs
- Recently completed a VA program, practicum, or have relevant animal care experience
- Eager to learn, take coaching, and build confidence in a busy hospital environment
- Comfortable with cleaning/turnover, patient handling, and supportive care as core responsibilities
Experienced VAs
- Strong hands-on skills in a clinical setting and comfort in a fast-paced workflow
- Confidence supporting exams/procedures, surgical prep and recovery, and clinical flow
- Able to mentor newer team members and contribute to continuous improvement
All candidates should have:
- A commitment to compassionate, inclusive care for both pets and people
- Strong teamwork skills and a calm, solutions-focused approach
- Comfort supporting care plans that reflect an Accessible Care / Spectrum of Care approach
- Familiarity with veterinary software systems and confidence navigating multi-line phone systems and digital communication platforms
- Interest in shelter medicine and community veterinary initiatives
- Physical ability to perform the role (standing, lifting, cleaning, patient handling)
Compensation & Benefits
- Wage range: $18–$25 per hour (based on experience)
- Consistent schedule – no weekends, late evenings, or on call; ability to work a condensed work week
- Health and dental benefits
- RRSP matching
- Paid training and professional development opportunities
- A supportive team that prioritizes wellness, mentorship, and growth
- The ability to make a meaningful impact in both community veterinary care and animal welfare
Be Part of Something Bigger
We believe in Accessible Care, eliminating barriers through practicing within standard operating procedures, and fostering a culture of change and learning.
Working at Tartan Tails means being part of a province-wide effort to help pets stay with the families who love them. If you want a role that blends hands-on animal care, teamwork, community impact, and meaningful connection, we’d love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Nova Scotia SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, or disability. Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons and persons of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applicants to self-identify.
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your wage expectations to resumes@spcans.ca.
Application deadline: March 6.
