Animal Care Assistant (Surgical)

VC Evidensia UK; Wetherby; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured development opportunities

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Healthcare Cash Plan

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

VC Evidensia UK is looking for a dedicated Animal Care Assistant at Swift Referrals in Wetherby. The role involves supporting the clinical team to deliver high standards of care and assisting with patient handling. You'll work in a purpose-built referral hospital equipped with advanced medical facilities.

We offer 6.6 weeks' annual leave, supportive teams, and structured development opportunities to help you grow in your veterinary career.

Qualifications

• Reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team.
• Experience of working with animals in a clinical or non-clinical setting would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of high standards of patient and client care.
• Assist with patient handling and restraint.
• Maintain clinical areas and equipment.

Skills

Good communication skills

Reliability and team-oriented

Organizational skills

Interest in animal welfare

Job description

Swift Referrals, Wetherby, Wetherby, Yorkshire & The Humber

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 Swift Referralson a full-timebasis.

Opened in 2019 and purpose-built to industry‑leading standards, Swift Referrals is a multi‑disciplinary referral hospital, offering the very best in veterinary excellence, all under one roof. We specialise in the areas of orthopaedics, neurology, internal medicine and soft tissue surgery, housing world‑class facilities on our premises from advanced imaging machines to specialist treatment and aftercare rooms. The hospital has fantastic equipment available including 1.5T Siemens MRI scanner, 128 Slice GE CT scanner, doppler ultrasound, endoscopy, arthroscopy and state‑of‑the‑art operating theatres.

We are fully committed to the wellbeing of our team of over 80 employees, and we are thrilled to see how this is reflected in the consistent positive feedback in our team satisfaction surveys.

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

This is a full-time permanent role working 5x8 hour days.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the medical RVNs and clinicians allowing a smooth flow of day
• Care and maintenance of equipment
• Handling of day patients
• Lab work

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 scheme
• Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
• 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.

Swift Referrals, Wetherby

Unit 706, Avenue E West, Wetherby, LS23 7GA, United Kingdom