VETERINARIAN TRAINEE

Job ID: 63125
Job Category: Animal Care & Control
Division & Section: Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Toronto Animal Services
Work Location: Various, see potential locations below.
Job Type & Duration: Full-Time, Temporary Vacancy (approximately 3 months)
Hourly Rate: $32.00
Hours & Shift Information: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week
Affiliation: L416 Outside
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 1-APR-2026 to 10-APR-2026

Work Locations:

• TAS West Shelter 146 The East Mall
• TAS East Shelter and Clinic 821 Progress Avenue
• TAS North Shelter and Clinic 1300 Sheppard Ave. West
• Various SNYP Truck locations

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 3 million people. Consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities, we are a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture. Join the award-winning Toronto Public Service

Major Responsibilities:

• Assists the Veterinarian in delivery of related animal services in accordance with the Provincial legislation and City and Divisional policies.
• Assists the Veterinarian to ensure that the health of animals under the custody of the City are properly maintained. Including recognizing and addressing disease spread, vaccinations, preventive measures and dietary requirements.
• Assists the Veterinarian in examination of animals in the City's custody and collaborates to determine a diagnosis of disease and injuries.
• Assists and provides support to the Veterinarian during emergency care procedures.
• Follows treatment plans provided by the Veterinarian for animals in the City's custody and assists with administration and monitoring of treatments.
• Assists with the performance of pre-operative examination and surgery on shelter and public animals.
• Assists with the preparation of anesthesia plans for animals.
• Assists with post-operative examination of animals and preparation of discharge instructions.
• Assists with tracking and organizing medical supplies and inventory.
• Assists with completing medical records and control drug logs in accordance with Provincial legislation and maintain confidentiality
• Assists with ensuring all documents, records, medical logs are kept in accordance with existing legislation, policies, procedures and City requirements.
• Assists with ensuring that the provision of Animal Care and Husbandry is consistent with existing legislation, best practices and the guidelines as established by the Canadian Council on Animal Care and Association of Shelter Veterinarians.
• Assists with communicating with pet owners regarding procedure updates and animal status under Toronto Animal Services Veterinarians, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.

Key Qualifications:
Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate from an accredited Veterinary College Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
2. Experience in animal shelter or veterinary clinic setting.

Your application must also demonstrate that you have the following skills:

• Possession of a valid Ontario Class G Driver’s Licence, or the ability to obtain one would be considered an asset for future career progression within the division.
• Good physical condition, agility and strength, including ability to stand for long period of time while cleaning and feeding animals, managing and lifting animals, including large dogs and heavy articles (weighing up to 25 kgs).
• Required to be immunized against rabies and have a titre test every two years to determine immunity level and if needed, receive booster vaccinations.
• A good understanding of the Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) regulations and the Canadian Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.
• Proficiency in use of computerized applications such as Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel & Outlook) and computerized records management systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task to effectively carry out the various duties and responsibilities of this position, with minimal supervision and direction.
• Ability to work in a customer service environment with excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills, dealing effectively with all levels of staff, the public and external contacts in person in a courteous manner, by telephone and in writing.
• An excellent understanding of usage, dosage and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the veterinarian and superiors.
• An excellent understanding of common diseases and can alert veterinarian and superiors when symptoms arise or when concerns arise with animals.
• An excellent understanding of all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols for dogs and cats.
• A good understanding of animal behaviour and the ability to handle a wide variety of animals (domestic and wildlife species), including injured and possibly dangerous animals; utilizing humane tools, equipment, technical devices and techniques, (i.e. crematorium)
• A good understanding of animal services programs, regulations and legislation pertaining to animals (e.g. Municipal Code Chapter 349, Dog Owners' Liability Act, etc.)
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work in a highly demanding work environment with many competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with employees and management.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in exposure to unpleasant odours, noise, dander and animal feces.
• Ability to work rotating shifts (day, afternoon, night, weekend and holidays). Will be required to do shift and weekend work in conformance with the Collective Agreement.
• Must be familiar with requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations for the safe performance of his/her duties and responsibilities or capable of obtaining familiarity of same.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.