Animal Care Assistant

IVC; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Wellbeing initiatives

Discounted veterinary care

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

inspiring vet care in Cheltenham is seeking an Animal Care Assistant for Dragon Vets on a full-time basis. You will support the clinical team, help with patient handling and care, and contribute to a smooth, compassionate practice environment.

The role offers structured development, progression into Student Veterinary Nurse pathways, and a range of employee benefits designed to support wellbeing and learning.

Qualifications

• Experience working with animals in clinical or non-clinical settings is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the clinical team to deliver high standards of patient and client care.
• Assist with inpatient care, patient handling and restraint.
• Help maintain clinical areas and equipment to ensure smooth, safe operations.
• Contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for patients and clients.

Skills

Caring demeanor

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organisational skills

Willingness to learn

Job description

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we’re trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Animal Care Assistant to join our team at Dragon Vets on a full-time permanent basis.

Located in the heart of Cheltenham, renowned for horse racing and a thriving bar and restaurant scene, Dragon Vets is an established practice and has invested in specialist equipment including CT, DR, rigid and flexible endoscopy, high-end Doppler ultrasonography and well-equipped operating facilities including laparoscopic kits and TPLO kits, and much more.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the clinical team to deliver high standards of patient and client care, while helping to ensure the practice environment runs smoothly and safely.

Working under the direction of a Veterinary Surgeon or Registered Veterinary Nurse, you’ll support inpatient care, assist with patient handling and restraint, help maintain clinical areas and equipment, and contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for both patients and clients.

Working Pattern

• 37.25 hours per week, including a 1:4 Saturday morning shift.

You Might Be a Great Fit If…

• A caring, professional approach with a genuine interest in animal welfare
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively in a busy environment
• A proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Experience of working with animals in either a clinical or non-clinical setting would be advantageous

How We’ll Support You

• Structured development opportunities, including access to VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
• Supportive, collaborative teams focused on delivering high-quality patient and client care
• A values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks’ annual leave plus your birthday off
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes, subject to eligibility criteria
• Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

£0 - £25,200 a year

Up to £25,200 per annum