Across Canada, VetStrategy is a network of veterinary practices united by a shared purpose: healthy animals, happy owners.
We bring this to life through three promises:
- Our People Promise – To be a great place to work.
- Our Customer Promise – To deliver world-class veterinary care, locally.
- Our Sustainability Promise – To be a force for good.
Guided by our values - We Care, We Dare, We Share - we prioritize well-being, embrace challenges, and foster collaboration. Rooted in passion and compassion, we support our people, patients, their families, and our communities. Humble and approachable, we achieve more together.
Emergency Veterinarian (DVM) - West Coast Animal Veterinary Emergency Specialty Hospital (WAVES)
Salary: $160,000–$190,000 annually, depending on experience.
Are you an Emergency Veterinarian looking to work alongside an experienced team in a collaborative emergency and specialty hospital? Or are you a general practice veterinarian interested in making the transition into emergency medicine with the right support?
WAVES is looking for passionate veterinarians to join our growing emergency team on beautiful Vancouver Island! Whether you bring years of emergency experience or are ready to take the next step in your career, we offer opportunities to develop your skills, work through challenging cases, and make a meaningful difference for pets and their families.
About WAVES
West Coast Animal Veterinary Emergency Specialty Hospital (WAVES) is a 24/7 emergency and referral hospital located in Langford, on the West Shore of Greater Victoria. Our 9,700-square-foot facility provides emergency and critical care alongside specialty services in internal medicine, surgery, neurology, and diagnostic imaging.
Our hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technology, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, digital radiography, endoscopy, fluoroscopy, and an in-house laboratory. This allows our team to manage a diverse caseload, from urgent presentations to complex referral cases.
At WAVES, we believe exceptional medicine starts with a strong team. Our emergency veterinarians work closely with experienced RVTs, veterinary assistants, and board-certified specialists to provide comprehensive care and support the referring veterinary community across Vancouver Island.
Mentorship That Meets You Where You Are
We understand that every veterinarian brings a different level of experience, confidence, and clinical interest to emergency medicine. That's why we want to create an environment where you can continue to develop your skills while knowing support is available when you need it.
Depending on your experience and goals, mentorship may include:
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Support with clinical skill development, including emergency surgery, critical patient management, diagnostic decision-making, client communication, and emergency caseload management.
Our goal is to help you become confident and successful in emergency medicine while ensuring you feel supported as part of the team.
The Opportunity
As an Emergency Veterinarian at WAVES, you will:
- Provide high-quality emergency and urgent medical care to small animal patients.
- Triage, assess, diagnose, and treat patients presenting with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions.
- Develop diagnostic and treatment plans for emergency and critical care cases.
- Collaborate with experienced ER veterinarians, RVTs, and board-certified specialists.
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with pet owners during stressful situations.
- Work with referring veterinarians to support continuity of care.
- Contribute to a collaborative medical environment through case discussions, knowledge sharing, and teamwork.
- Continue developing your emergency medicine skills through mentorship, continuing education, and exposure to complex cases.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation based on experience.
- Individualized mentorship and clinical support.
- Access to a diverse emergency caseload and advanced diagnostic equipment.
- Opportunities to collaborate with board-certified specialists across multiple disciplines.
- Continuing education support and opportunities for professional development.
- Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Professional liability coverage and support for licensing and professional dues.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Employee wellness resources, including paid wellness and sick days.
- RRSP matching.
- Employee pet care and supply discounts.
- Opportunities for career growth and leadership within WAVES and the broader VetStrategy network.
Compensation, scheduling, and applicable benefits will be confirmed as part of the recruitment process.
What You Will Bring
- A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent.
- Eligibility for licensure with the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC).
- A commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality patient care.
- Strong clinical reasoning and diagnostic decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- A calm, adaptable approach when managing urgent and complex cases.
- A commitment to continued learning and professional growth.
Previous emergency experience or completion of a rotating internship is an asset. We also welcome general practice veterinarians interested in transitioning to emergency medicine who are looking for a supportive environment to develop their skills.
Why You'll Love Working at WAVES
A collaborative emergency and specialty team. Work alongside experienced emergency clinicians, RVTs, and specialists who share knowledge and collaborate to provide excellent patient care.
A diverse and challenging caseload. Gain exposure to a wide range of emergency presentations and complex cases, with access to advanced diagnostics and specialty expertise.
Support for your professional growth. Whether you're experienced in emergency medicine or developing your confidence, we want to help you build a rewarding and sustainable career.
An incredible place to live. Located in Langford on Vancouver Island's West Shore, WAVES is less than 30 minutes from downtown Victoria. Enjoy coastal living, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, lakes, and endless outdoor recreation, while still having access to city amenities, restaurants, and a vibrant local community.
Apply Now
If you're looking for an opportunity to grow your career in emergency medicine while working with a team that values collaboration, mentorship, and compassionate care, we'd love to hear from you!
Apply through the job posting or email your resume to careers@vetstrategy.com.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Do not miss out on this unique opportunity to join a fun and dynamic team! VetStrategy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please reach out to careers@vetstrategy.com.
