Veterinary Office Assistant

Durham College’s Veterinary Office Assistant program prepares students to support the administrative and communication needs of veterinary clinics and animal care facilities. The program focuses on the essential skills required to maintain an organized and efficient veterinary office environment, including client communication, appointment scheduling, and managing day-to-day office operations. Students also gain foundational knowledge of veterinary terminology and common clinical procedures, allowing them to confidently support veterinary professionals and interact effectively with pet owners.

Throughout the program, students develop practical office and customer service skills while learning how to use common workplace software such as Microsoft Word and Excel. Courses in animal husbandry, veterinary office procedures, and communication help students understand the broader context of animal care while strengthening their ability to manage records, coordinate services, and support veterinary teams. Graduates are prepared to contribute to the smooth operation of veterinary clinics and related organizations by combining administrative expertise with an understanding of the veterinary care environment.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Coordinate the collection, distribution, and response to communications in the veterinary office context to facilitate the effective flow of information.
• Contribute to scheduling, coordination, and organization of administrative tasks within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
• Use effective interpersonal and client service skills to respond to the diverse needs of clients and office staff.
• Produce accurate documents and reports using industry terminology and standards.