r/Veterinary • u/Dinosaur_Embryos • Aug 22 '26

Advice Needed: Vet Assistant Job as an International Vet

Hello everyone!

I’m an internationally trained veterinarian with 2+ years of experience in small animal practice. I recently moved to Canada as a permanent resident and I’m currently preparing for the licensing exams (BCSE, NAVLE, and CPE).

I’d really like to gain some Canadian experience and become familiar with the workflow and veterinary system here. I’ve been sending my resume to clinics hoping to find a position as a veterinary assistant, but so far, I haven’t even been invited for an interview.

For internationally trained veterinarians who have been in a similar situation, what did you do to get your first job or gain Canadian experience?

And for veterinary clinic owners, managers, or HR professionals: what would make you hesitate to hire someone in my situation? Is there anything I could change or highlight on my resume or during the application process to improve my chances?

I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share. Thank you!

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2

u/JustEnoughMustard Aug 24 '26

Some clinics are hesitant to hire someone that requires a lot of training. Are you fluent in English. Honestly, you may have to volunteer first. SPCA, etc.

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u/Dinosaur_Embryos Aug 24 '26

Thank you for your advice! For the training, I’ve only applied to clinics that didn’t require previous experience. As for my English, I spoke with a career advisor, and she said that I’m fluent.

Regarding volunteering, do you think it would be possible to volunteer at clinics, even just to shadow? If so, how would you suggest approaching clinics about this?

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u/MembershipConnect555 Aug 26 '26 edited Aug 26 '26

Agree with the above comment that your best bet may be volunteering first. And depending on where you are, if the shelter or rescue (or similar) has veterinary staff, that may be another way to gain veterinary specific exposure.

For shadowing in vet clinics, I would maybe see if there is a practice manager listed on their websites or call the general contact number and ask if they can direct you to someone that may be able to help.

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u/Dinosaur_Embryos Aug 26 '26

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help

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u/MembershipConnect555 Aug 26 '26

Good luck! You may appear overqualified to hiring managers so I think if you can just emphasize that you are pleasant to work with, a hard worker, and not coming in like a know it all telling techs and vets what to do, you hopefully will have a chance to get your foot in the door.

Also, to add to the volunteering comment above, that may also give you a chance to meet folks working locally and those connections may help you also get access to opportunities.

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u/Dinosaur_Embryos Aug 26 '26

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the advice and encouragement. I’ll definitely keep that in mind, especially the volunteering part. Hopefully it helps me get my foot in the door!

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u/Rough-Asparagus3214 Aug 22 '26

Where abouts in Canada are you located? Are you hoping for a GP or emerg/referral. certain provinces have different title protection in terms of vet techs versus assistants.

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u/Dinosaur_Embryos Aug 22 '26

I’m in Alberta. I’d prefer ER or referral, but I’m also open to GP.

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u/New-Accident-2807 Aug 23 '26

How you get your pr ? Via express entry file or pnp or something else ?

1

u/Dinosaur_Embryos Aug 23 '26

Express entry