Animal Care Assistant

Lever, Inc.; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks' annual leave + birthday off

Enhanced family-friendly policies (m/f

Pension scheme

Discounted veterinary care

Job summary

Inspiring Vet Care in Chipping Norton is seeking an Animal Care Assistant to join our team on a full-time permanent basis. Working in our purpose-built, well-equipped hospital on the edge of a lovely Cotswold market town, you will support the clinical team with patient handling and care.

This role involves 40 hours per week on a varied rota with shifts between 7am and 11pm, including weekend days. Full training provided; opportunity for development within a veterinary setting.

Qualifications

• You are a reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to develop within a veterinary environment.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist the nursing team with the set up of surgical procedures
• Helping to hold patients for the Vets/Nurses
• Cleaning down clinical areas
• Putting away the supplies order
• Restocking
• Cleaning & packaging sterile equipment and theatre attire
• Laundry and organisation
• Managing cats in our Radioactive Iodine Unit (Full training will be provided)
• You will also be required to cover shifts both on reception and in our Boarding Cattery

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 Chipping Norton Vets on a full-time permanent basis.

In our purpose-built, excellently equipped hospital on the edge of a lovely Cotswold market town.

Among our Vets are a Specialist in Zoo & Wildlife Medicine, Advanced Practitioners in Small Animal Medicine and ECC. Plus, we have regular visits from a referral dermatologist. We receive referrals nationally for exotic pets, radioiodine therapy of hyperthyroid cats and locally for outpatient CT scanning, and for some internal medicine and orthopaedic-surgery cases.

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

• 40 hours per week on a varied rota with shifts ranging between the hours of 7am and 11pm, to include both weekend days.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the nursing team with the set up of surgical procedures
• Helping to hold patients for the Vets/Nurses
• Cleaning down clinical areas
• Putting away the supplies order
• Restocking
• Cleaning & packaging sterile equipment and theatre attire
• Laundry and organisation
• Managing cats in our Radioactive Iodine Unit (Full training will be provided)
• You will also be required to cover shifts both on reception and in our Boarding Cattery

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to develop within a veterinary environment. You’ll bring:

• 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

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• 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 - £0 a year
• Up to £26,528.31 per annum