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Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare
Turn Your Passion for Pets into a Purposeful Career
If you’ve ever dreamed of making a difference in the lives of animals, you’re in the right place.
At the Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare, we believe that caring for animals is both a calling and a skill. That’s why we combine compassionate, student-focused learning with practical, hands-on training. Our programs are led by experienced industry professionals, so you will gain the skills you need to succeed.
Whether your path leads to a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, or another rewarding area of animal care, you will graduate with confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging in a field that truly matters.
Apply for our Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician Program today and turn your passion into purpose.
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Veterinary Assistant
Every part of our 11-month Veterinary Assistant Program is designed so you can step into your role ready to support both pets and the people who care for them.
Veterinary Assistants (VAs) will gain real life experience working with animals and learn how to best support veterinary teams in clinics, hospitals, and shelters so they run smoothly. Your day-to-day duties will be ever evolving and exciting. And you will play a key role in educating and empowering pet owners, helping to strengthen the bond between pets and their loving families.
In addition to classroom study and field trips, you will have hands-on experience with an internship (160 hours) at an approved animal care facility of your choosing.
Start Date of Next Class: September 2026
Expected Graduation Date: August 2027
Length: 11 Months Full-Time
Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent and an interview with the program instructor. Mathematics 12 or Mathematics at Work 12 is preferred.
Click here for printable/downloadable copy of the Veterinary Assistant Program Information.
Apply Now!Veterinary Technician
Our two-year Veterinary Technician Program is built so you will have the advanced skills needed to work side-by-side with veterinarians, changing and saving lives.
Veterinary Technicians (VTs) will gain expertise and experience to deliver high-quality medical care so pets can live healthy and happy lives. Your work will be dynamic and impactful, from assisting with veterinary procedures to monitoring pet patients through surgery and recovery. Your rewarding role is at the heart of animal healthcare, and you will care for them at every stage of their journey.
Along with classroom study and field trips, you will have hands-on experience with two clinical rotations and a clinical internship (240 hours) at an accredited veterinary hospital of your choosing.
Plus, tuition scholarships are available to qualified candidates of the inaugural class.
Anticipated Start Date of Inaugural Class: *August 2026
*Pending approval from the Department of Advanced Education.
Expected Graduation Date: July 2028
Length: Two-Year Full-Time Program
Prerequisites:
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma, or GED, as well as a recommended average of 75% or higher in each of the following courses: Grade 12 English, Grade 12 Academic Math or Pre-Calculus, Grade 11 or 12 Biology, and Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry.
- 20 hours of volunteering in a veterinary hospital or a shelter hospital
- Interview with the program director
- PI cognitive and aptitude tests
- Full dose series of rabies vaccines and proof of current tetanus vaccination during or before first semester.
Click here for printable/downloadable copy of the Veterinary Technician Program Information.
Apply Now!Still Deciding?
Choosing a career path is a big decision and you don’t have to make this choice alone. If you’re not ready to apply yet, or you’re not sure which program is the best fit for you, we’re here to help you.
Connect with Jen Welshman, RVT, and our Associate Director of Veterinary Education Programs. You can learn more about the student experience, career opportunities, and which program aligns with your goals.
Your future doesn’t have to be figured out today. Let’s start with a conversation.
Talk to an Instructor
Student Success Stories
Shamica's a Shining Star
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Courage is the Bear
When your last name is the name of an animal (albeit not a companion animal), and you... READ MOREabout Courage is the Bear
You Belong Here
We are committed to excellence, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Choosing where to pursue your education is more than selecting a program. It’s about finding a place that shares your values, supports your goals, and helps you build a future you’re proud of.
The Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare is where passion meets purpose. We’re so proud of what our students achieve, and we’re excited about what you could bring to it.
Take the First Step
Off-Campus Housing
We know finding housing as a student can be challenging. If you’re an incoming student and are looking for off-campus housing, we have a great place for you to start. Click the link below to find rental listings, register for free as a student to post a roommate profile/sublet listing, or register as a landlord to post a free rental property listing.
Customer Service:
Monday to Thursday: 9am-7pm EST
Friday: 9am-5pm EST
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