July 17, 2025 | British Columbia

If you love animals and want to turn that passion into a career, you might be wondering: is being a veterinary assistant a good job? The short answer is yes, especially if you’re looking for a meaningful, hands-on role in the animal care industry that you can train in under a year. Veterinary assistants are in demand, valued by their teams, and spend their days surrounded by pets and professionals who share their love for animals. 

 
In this blog, we’ll explore why becoming a veterinary assistant is not just a good job, but a great one for many people, and how the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College can help you launch your career with confidence. 

Why Veterinary Assistant a Good Job? 

1. You Get to Work With Animals Every Day 

If you’ve always had a soft spot for animals, a veterinary assistant job gives you daily opportunities to care for them, comfort them, and help them heal. From puppies and kittens to senior pets and even exotic animals in some clinics, you’ll play a role in keeping them healthy and happy. This is a job filled with tail wags, purrs, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference. 

2. It’s a Growing Field With Job Security 

Pet ownership in Canada continues to rise, and that means increased demand for veterinary services. Clinics and animal hospitals are actively seeking trained support staff. According to Canadian labour trends, veterinary assistants are considered a stable and growing occupation. That means strong job prospects, especially for graduates of recognized training programs like the one at CDI College. 

3. It’s Quick to Train and Get Started 

One of the best parts about this career path is that you don’t need to spend years in school. With CDI College’s Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma, you can complete your training in just 40 weeks. That includes a comprehensive curriculum and a 120-hour practicum in a real vet clinic or animal care facility. You’ll be job-ready in less than a year. 

4. It’s a Versatile Role with Room to Grow 

Veterinary assistants do much more than clean kennels. You may help during exams, prep animals for surgery, manage reception duties, monitor patient behaviour, and provide comfort to nervous pet parents. As you gain experience, you may specialize in certain areas, move into management, or even return to school to become a veterinary technician or veterinarian. The career path can grow with you. 

5. It’s a Fulfilling and Emotionally Rewarding Job 

Helping animals and their owners through some of life’s toughest (and happiest) moments gives the role deep meaning. Whether you’re assisting in a life-saving procedure or helping a family say goodbye to a beloved pet, you provide comfort, care, and compassion every day. If you value emotional connection and purpose, this job delivers. 

What You Can Expect Day-to-Day 

Veterinary assistants often:  

• Feed, groom, and walk animals  
• Restrain pets during exams and procedures  
• Clean and sterilize exam rooms and tools  
• Monitor animals’ health and behaviour  
• Answer phones and schedule appointments
• Communicate with pet owners 

Not all days are exactly the same. The job keeps you active, engaged, and on your feet. 

Where Can You Work? 

With a veterinary assistant diploma, you can find work in:  
 

• Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals  
• Animal shelters and rescues  
• Pet boarding and grooming businesses  
• Zoos and wildlife centres  
• Pet supply retailers 

Why Choose CDI College? 

The Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College is ideal if you want:  

• A fast-track program (40 weeks)  
• Real-world experience through practicum  
• Certifications in WHMIS, First Aid, and DOGSAFE®  
• Career support and job search assistance  

Final Thoughts 

So, is veterinary assistant a good job? Absolutely. It’s a fulfilling, fast-entry career that lets you make a difference in animals’ lives every day. Whether you stay in the role long-term or use it as a stepping stone to other opportunities in animal health care, it offers stability, satisfaction, and a strong future. If you’re ready to get started, check out the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College. Your future in animal care is just months away!