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Program Tuition and Duration

The tuition for this program is $6,385 and includes a stethoscope, scrubs and thermometer. Books are extra and cost approximately $210 (including tax) in total.

BC Student Loans Eligibility  
Contact voac@douglascollege.ca for information about student loans.

Program Duration 
The duration of the VOAC program is 24 weeks:

• Semester I - 10 weeks
• Semester break - 1 week
• Semester II - 10 weeks
• Practicum, Follow-up and Graduation - 4 weeks

Refund policy 
A full refund, less a $15 processing fee per course, will be issued if a written request for a refund is received by Sultan Vidal three working days prior to the start of the program. 70 percent less $100 refund after the start of the program and prior to the end of the first week. No refund after the first week of classes. Fees for materials, supplies, books, etc. are not eligible for refunds.

Program purpose

The purpose of the Veterinary Office & Animal Care (VOAC) certificate program is to develop the career ready skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to perform the multifaceted duties of veterinary assistants. The program focuses on small animal (domestic) assistant training and the essential practical skills training will take place off campus at animal shelters, veterinary clinics and rescue agencies.

The Veterinary Office & Animal Care certificate program is designed to assure that:

• ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏÍø is the first choice for students seeking a career as veterinary assistants
• Graduates will feel confident that they possess the all the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in their new career
• Graduates will be the first choice by the animal care community for employment

The VOAC Certificate program has incorporated the ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏÍø signature by:

• Basing the curriculum on the development of skills, knowledge and abilities essential to students' work such as: independent learning and information literacy, communication (oral, written and interpersonal), critical and creative thinking, teamwork and computational and technical skills
• Providing "hands-on" training and "real world" assignments, case studies and practicums that are guided by the ethics of practice
• Supplying balanced and varied learning modes and methods
• Creating a learning environment that enhances student success
• Committing to seek verification of applied skills standards through external agencies and advisory boards

Admission Requirements

Must complete all of the following:

• Submit a resume
• Submit official transcript of BC secondary school graduation or equivalent
  • Completion of English 11 with a grade of C or better
  • Completion of Life Sciences 11 (formerly Biology 11) with a grade of C or better
• 18 years of age or older by the end of the first semester of the VOAC Program.  A copy of birth certificate or other proof of age is required.
• Keyboarding speed of at least 20 words per minute
• Possess basic computer skills.

Other Criteria

When offered a seat in the program the following criteria must be satisfied:

• Proof of current Tetanus immunization.
• Purchase extra scrub (you will be provided with a scrub with the ºÚÁϱ¬ÁÏÍø logo).

Please note: The admission package contains all forms. To receive a package, please email voac@douglascollege.ca.

Program outcomes

At the end of the program, the successful student should be able to:

• Perform and understand the duties of a veterinary team member in a small animal clinic/hospital or related field (animal shelter, rescue organization).

In the front office setting:

• Book appointments, perform receptionist and bookkeeping duties, operate veterinary software, as well as offer nutritional, patient care and grief counselling.

In the examination room, treatment area, surgery or kennel

• Make a basic assessment of a patient's status, whether for a wellness exam, or in an emergency situation.
• Identify common small animal breeds, and be able to handle and restrain animals safely.
• Promote good health and hygiene by demonstrating adequate grooming skills and knowledge of external parasite control.
• Understand basic veterinary terminology, with applications to anatomy, physiology, and numerous small animal disease processes.

In the laboratory (under veterinarian supervision)

• Operate a binocular microscope, prepare for and perform common basic laboratory tests, and use and maintain most laboratory and clinical diagnostic equipment.
• Assist the veterinary technician during the following: taking standard X-rays, administering anaesthesia to a patient, and during dental and surgical procedures.

In the operating area (under veterinarian supervision)

• Handle and maintain surgical instruments, as well as wrap and sterilize surgical packs.
• Demonstrate familiarity with common surgical procedures including small animal spays and neuters, and offer important homecare instructions.

The successful Veterinary Office & Animal Care program graduate will become a valuable member of the veterinary care team.

Program and Course Structure

This course is offered in-person.  Class sizes will be reduced to allow for social distancing protocols.  The College is monitoring information and recommendations about COVID-19 from regional and provincial medical health officers and responding accordingly.  Should in-person classes need to be discontinued, the delivery mode will change to virtual sessions that will take place during the original scheduled class times.  To participate in virtual sessions, students will need high speed internet, video cam and microphone.   

Please note: the program will be offered at the New Westminster Campus. Six months (24 weeks), 640 hours. Classes are Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm.

New Westminster Campus - Fall 2025 intake:

Application deadline: August 8, 2025
(Applications will be accepted after deadline if seats are available)

September 8 to November 14, 2025

• Grooming Handling and Restraint
• Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology & Terminology I
• Veterinary Care I
• Veterinary Nutrition
• Veterinary Administrative Procedures I

Winter Break: Dec 22, 2025 to Jan 1 ,2026

November 17, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026

• Veterinary Laboratory Procedures
• Veterinary Diseases
• Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology & Terminology II
• Veterinary Care II
• Veterinary Administrative Procedures II

February 2, 2026 - February 24, 2026

• Practicum (3 weeks) & Follow-up