About Us

The field of animal health care needs qualified, dedicated professionals who enjoy working with both animals and people.

Providing quality health care for animals is complex. In addition to mastering technology and procedures, animal health technicians must be adept in the management and care of animals, laboratory facilities and be able to take on an administrative role in the offi ce. The ability to communicate and interact with clients is vital. In this dynamic program, the teaching of theory is accompanied by hands-on experience such as reading X-Rays, and using animal skeletons to locate appropriate puncture sites and demonstrate correct techniques, learn minor surgery procedures and understand animal biology, physiology and anatomy. There are mandatory clinical and research fi eldwork/internship placements as part of the program.

By the time they graduate, Vanier Animal Health Technicians are team players who are fl exible, mature, motivated and highly competent. This program is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). As well, the Animal Health Technology Department works closely with the ATSAQ (Association des Techniciennes et Techniciens en Santé Animale du Québec) and graduating students are strongly urged to eventually join this association.

Animal Health Technicians (Technologists) have been recently recognized by the authorities to perform specifi c procedures that were historically exclusively the domain of veterinarians. Only persons having a recognized AHT degree are allowed to perform these new tasks.

Successful students are:

  • Enthusiastic about working with animals and people
  • Demonstrate physical dexterity
  • Comfortable in a very hands-on environment

It is suggested that people with animal allergies consider this condition in choosing this area of study.