Animal Care Assistant

British Veterinary Association; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Pembrokeshire is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Assistant to support their Nursing Team. The role involves monitoring patients and assisting in veterinary procedures, while ensuring a clean and safe environment. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, collaborative, and committed to animal welfare. The position includes additional benefits such as flexible working hours and employee wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Experience in animal care is preferred.
• Comfortable working with a diverse team.
• Willingness to follow hygiene and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and record patients' vital signs.
• Assist in veterinary procedures and patient care.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the work environment.

Skills

Empathy

Team collaboration

Patient monitoring

Job description

Overview

The Oak Veterinary Group are looking for a fun, hardworking, dedicated, and caring Animal Care Assistant to become a part of our existing Nursing Team from December 2025 onwards primarily based at our Haverfordwest Practice but also working from Fishguard & St David's; where you will be led by our Head Nurse along with support from our effective Nursing Team.

Take an active role in monitoring and recording patients' vital signs, behavior, and recovery-spotting any changes and keeping the veterinary team updated. Deliver top-tier nursing care under the guidance of vets and RVNs, always putting the patient's wellbeing first.

From cuddles, hand-feeding, and emotional support to tailored nutrition and mobility assistance, you'll help reduce stress and boost comfort for every animal in your care. You'll play a key role in preparing patients for treatment, assisting in procedures, post-op recovery, and end-of-life care with sensitivity and professionalism.

You'll ensure a clean, safe, and enriching environment-adhering to gold-standard hygiene, biosecurity, and infection control practices. Be hands-on in prepping surgical areas, setting up and maintaining equipment, and ensuring proper clinical waste disposal.

Beyond patient care, you'll support the wider team with client communications, discharge instructions, medication guidance, and even reception cover when needed. Keep records sharp, stay informed, and contribute to a practice that puts compassion and excellence first.

What our practice has to offer

We are based in beautiful Pembrokeshire surrounded by the most stunning coastal and countryside that Wales has to offer. Our main Small Animal Practice in Haverfordwest offers surgery, dentistry, internal laboratory, ultrasound, radiography, and endoscopy and Hydrotherapy (Fishguard Branch) delivered by our Full time Rehab Co-Ordinator. Our Fishguard branch has internal laboratory, dentistry and surgical facilities and has the unique opportunity to offer clients our aquatic treadmill for hydrotherapy, and where our rehab/physio nurses are based. We also offer laser and acupuncture services in both.

Join our enthusiastic and experienced team

We are a blended team of experienced and talented team members with of Head Vet, 6 veterinary surgeons, Head Nurse & currently 3 registered veterinary nurses and 4 student nurses. The team also includes Practice Director, Reception coordinator and our Reception team covering the three sites. We have an advanced practitioner in Small Animal Surgery who performs our advanced surgeries allowing the Vet Team to deal with orthopaedic work and complex soft tissue surgery in house.

We enjoy regular social events including our annual Team Building Days and Christmas get together and there are also other optional get-togethers all year round previously some of our Clinical Team have provide voluntary support.

Dress Code

Dress Code All required items of uniform will be provided or where not applicable, a professional smart dress code must be adhered to, in line with the Dress Code & Appearance Policy.

Health & Safety regulations should be considered in applying a professional and consistent approach in relation to jewellery, hair styles and nail varnish/false nails.

Rota patterns

Rota patterns We care about the work/life balance of our Team and do our best to ensure your needs are met. The standard shift pattern is 37.5 hours across 5 days between 8.30am - 7.00pm on a mutual Rota basis within the Nursing Team, plus Saturdays again on a shared rota covered by the whole Nursing Team equally. We presently make alternative provision for our clients to offer Out of Hours Services but we do continue to offer In Patient Care on a case-by-case basis supporting our Vet Team where required. We encourage a Flexible Working Policy and will consider candidate requirements to include the possibility of job share dependant on business needs.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to be considered to join our Team at The Oak!

In addition to a competitive salary you will benefit from:

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be added to your holiday allowance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
• Non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100\'s of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care