July 18, 2025 | British Columbia

If you’ve recently earned your veterinary assistant diploma or are thinking about enrolling in a program, you might be wondering: what can I actually do with it? The great news is that a veterinary assistant diploma opens the door to many exciting career paths. It qualifies you to work directly with animals, assist licensed veterinary professionals, and become part of a thriving industry that values compassionate, skilled support workers. 

 
In this blog, we’ll explore what you can do with a veterinary assistant diploma in Canada, and how the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College prepares you to succeed from day one. 

What Can You Do with a Veterinary Assistant Diploma? 
 

1. Work in a Veterinary Clinic or Animal Hospital 

This is the most common and direct route for graduates. As a veterinary assistant, you’ll:  

• Greet clients and manage appointments  
• Restrain animals during exams  
• Clean and prepare surgical areas  
• Monitor patient behaviour and comfort  
• Support veterinarians and vet techs with everyday procedures 
   

Veterinary clinics are busy, high-energy environments where you’ll interact with people and pets all day long. 
 

2. Join an Animal Shelter or Rescue Centre 

If you’re passionate about helping abandoned, injured, or neglected animals, working in a shelter may be your calling. Your diploma qualifies you to:  
 

• Provide daily care for animals awaiting adoption  
• Assist in wellness checks, vaccinations, and treatment  
• Monitor health conditions and report changes  
• Help rehabilitate animals before adoption 

 
You’ll be making a real difference for animals in need. 
 

3. Work in a Pet Boarding or Daycare Facility 

These facilities care for pets when their owners are away. With your training, you could: 

• Monitor animal interactions and ensure safety  
• Administer medications and basic first aid  
• Provide feeding, bathing, and grooming services 
   

These roles are ideal for vet assistant graduates who enjoy active, hands-on work with dogs and cats. 

4. Assist at Grooming Salons or Pet Spas 

While not medical settings, grooming salons value team members with animal handling knowledge and first aid certifications. You could:  
 

• Support groomers by calming nervous animals  
• Handle animals during drying and nail trimming  
• Identify signs of illness or distress  
• Provide basic hygiene services 

5. Work at a Zoo, Wildlife Centre, or Farm 

Your diploma could also take you to more specialized environments. In these settings, you may assist with:  
 

• Feeding and enrichment activities  
• Cleaning enclosures and maintaining safety standards  
• Observing and reporting behavioral or health changes 
   

Additional training may be required depending on the role, but your vet assistant foundation gets your foot in the door. 

6. Explore Sales or Customer Support in Pet-Related Businesses 

Many pet supply stores, pharmaceutical companies, and pet food brands hire people with veterinary knowledge to:  
 

• Educate customers about products  
• Provide technical support or advice  
• Promote wellness and preventative care 
   

If you enjoy helping people as much as animals, this could be a great fit. 

7. Use It as a Steppingstone for Career Growth 

Your veterinary assistant diploma doesn’t have to be your final stop. Many people use it as a launchpad to:  
 

• Become a veterinary technician (2+ years additional education)  
• Study to become a veterinarian   
• Specialize in assisting, surgical support, or animal behaviour 
   

The diploma gives you experience, confidence, and connections that can take you even further in the animal care field. 

Why Choose CDI College? 

The Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College is designed for real-world success. In just 40 weeks, you’ll:  
 

• Learn core animal care and medical support skills  
• Complete a 120-hour practicum in a vet setting  
• Earn industry certifications: WHMIS 2015, CPR-C, DOGSAFE®  
• Get career support and job placement assistance 
   

It’s a fast, focused way to start doing work that matters. 

Final Thoughts 

So, what can you do with a veterinary assistant diploma? a lot. From working in clinics and shelters to exploring opportunities in grooming, retail, and wildlife care, your options are diverse and rewarding. If you’re ready to start a meaningful, hands-on career with animals, the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College is your first step. 
 

Reach out today and find out how you can turn your passion for animals into a professional path you love.