Animal Care Assistant

Medmatch; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Medmatch is seeking a friendly Animal Care Assistant to join a dedicated veterinary team in West Berkshire. You will work across sites with a 37.5-hour week and participate in a shared Saturday rota, delivering support to both patients and clients in a fast-paced clinical setting.

The ideal candidate will have experience with animals, a caring nature, and the confidence to support nurses and other assistants while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and patient safety.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with animals is essential.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to stay calm in a busy clinical setting.
• Experience in a veterinary environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the practice.
• Support the reception team by greeting clients and answering phones.
• Handle patients and assist with safe restraint.
• Provide inpatient care and monitoring.
• Assist the clinical team in theatre.
• Run basic diagnostic tests using in-house lab equipment.
• Admit and discharge patients with clear, friendly communication.

Skills

Experience in animal care

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Client communication

Job description

Animal Care Assistant – West Berkshire (Near Reading)

Join a Dedicated Team of Veterinary Nurses & Care Assistants

We are delighted to present an opportunity for a friendly, professional, and compassionate Animal Care Assistant to join a supportive and skilled team in West Berkshire. If you have a genuine passion for animals and enjoy working in a fast-paced clinical environment, this could be the perfect next step in your veterinary career.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working with animals, alongside a caring nature and the confidence to support both patients and colleagues within a busy practice.

About the Role:

You’ll be joining a collaborative team of Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Care Assistants, all committed to delivering exceptional patient care. Nurses work various shift patterns across the sites, totalling 37.5 hours per week, and the role includes 1 in 4 Saturday mornings on a shared rota. There are no overnight duties, as OOH services are fully covered by Vets Now.

We are seeking someone with excellent interpersonal skills, who can remain calm, focused, and organised in a bustling clinical setting. A confident, positive approach to teamwork and client communication is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• As an Animal Care Assistant, your daily tasks will include:
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the practice
• Supporting the reception team, including greeting clients and answering phones
• Patient handling and safe restraint
• Providing inpatient care and monitoring
• Assisting the clinical team in theatre
• Running basic diagnostic tests using in-house laboratory equipment
• Admitting and discharging patients with clear and friendly communication
• What We’re Looking For
• A caring and compassionate nature
• Confidence when handling animals and interacting with clients
• Ability to work efficiently within a busy veterinary environment
• Previous experience in animal care (essential)
• Professional, friendly, and enthusiastic attitude