This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Program overview

Turn your passion for animal care and welfare into a rewarding career. The one-year Veterinary Assistant Ontario College Certificate program prepares students to support veterinarians and animal care teams in a range of professional settings. This program addresses the ongoing demand for skilled veterinary support staff by developing graduates who are ready to contribute effectively within clinical and other animal care-focused environments. Students build practical skills and foundational knowledge essential to veterinary assistant roles, emphasizing strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills to foster positive interactions with clients, colleagues, and animal care professionals.

Program structure

The Veterinary Assistant program is a full-time, one-year certificate program delivered over two consecutive semesters. The program begins each May, with the second semester starting in September and concluding at the end of January with a field placement component. Key features of the program structure include:

Program Length: 1 Year
Hands-on practice in simulation labs during the first semester
Live animal handling and care labs in the second semester
100-hour placement at the end of the final semester
Community-based service learning and field work placement opportunities

Students gain practical experience in both on-site and off-site animal care settings, focusing primarily on companion animals while also gaining exposure to other species.

Featured Experiences

The Veterinary Assistant program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and practical skills:

Extensive hands-on practice in simulation labs
Live animal handling and care labs with in-house patients
100-hour field placement in an approved animal care or veterinary facility
Community-based service learning projects
Experiential learning opportunities to enhance work and personal development

These experiences are designed to prepare students for real-world challenges in the veterinary field, ensuring they are well-equipped for their future careers.

Career Options

Graduates of the Veterinary Assistant program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Veterinary Assistant: Support veterinarians in clinics and hospitals, assisting with patient care and administrative tasks.
Animal Care Assistant: Provide care for animals in shelters, rescue organizations, and boarding facilities.
Laboratory Assistant: Assist in research and laboratory animal facilities, ensuring proper care and handling of research animals.
Surgical Assistant: Help veterinary surgeons during procedures, ensuring a sterile environment and assisting with patient monitoring.
Grooming Assistant: Work in grooming salons, providing care and grooming services for pets.

Other potential roles include client service representative, office administrator, and kennel attendant, allowing graduates to find fulfilling positions in various animal care settings.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Program overview

Academic Requirements

College Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
Biology, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English, mathematics and biology.

Language Requirements

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 88, with a minimum in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4.5, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4.5; Listening 4.5; Speaking 4.5; Writing 4.5; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!