Animal Nursing Assistant

Animal Trust (UK); Barnsley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Trust (UK) in Barnsley is seeking an experienced Animal Care Assistant to join our hospital team. You will support day-to-day care of hospitalised patients, assist with admissions and discharges, and help maintain high standards of cleanliness across clinical and non-clinical areas.

The role covers front-of-house and back-of-house duties in a busy clinical setting, with a 4-on-4-off rota and a 35-hour average week.

Qualifications

• Calm, compassionate, with a passion for animal care.
• Strong communication with clients and colleagues.
• Able to follow instructions and take ownership of delegated tasks.
• High attention to hygiene, safety, and infection control.
• Experience in a veterinary or animal care role is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the day-to-day care of hospitalised patients, including feeding, cleaning, and providing comfort.
• Restrain animals safely and appropriately during examinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Support the clinical team in providing care across a varied caseload.
• Prepare theatre spaces and equipment for surgical procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and asepsis in surgical and prep areas throughout the day.
• Clean and sterilise surgical instruments and medical equipment.
• Run in-house diagnostic tests (e.g. blood samples) under supervision.
• Liaise with external labs regarding samples.
• Assist with stock rotation and restocking of clinical consumables.
• Greet clients and assist with patient admissions and discharges.
• Answer incoming calls and provide basic support or elevate appropriately.
• Offer a calm and compassionate presence to clients during visits.
• Accurately record patient information and communicate updates to the team.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across clinical and non-clinical areas.
• Follow infection control protocols, including isolation procedures as needed.
• Complete daily cleaning tasks, equipment checks, and hygiene logs.

Skills

Animal care

Communication

Hygiene & infection control

Teamwork

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Animal Care Assistant to join our team at Barnsley Hospital. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is passionate about animal welfare, confident in a clinical environment and committed to providing outstanding service in both front-of-house and back-of-house settings.

Our Barnsley hospital features 10 modern consulting rooms and four theatres, complete with X-ray and dental suites. Dedicated to the well-being of our patients, we also have separate dog and cat wards. Our caseload is varied, ranging from surgical and medical cases to in-house orthopaedic procedures.

About animal Trust

Animal Trust stands out from other veterinary services. Firstly, we are a unique Community Interest Company, being the only veterinary CIC in the UK to date. Our primary focus isn't solely on maximising profits; instead, we are dedicated to delivering on our mission and ensuring enough profit to sustain our business in the long term.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the day-to-day care of hospitalised patients, including feeding, cleaning, and providing comfort
• Restrain animals safely and appropriately during examinations, diagnostics, and treatments
• Support the clinical team in providing care across a varied caseload
• Prepare theatre spaces and equipment for surgical procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and asepsis in surgical and prep areas throughout the day
• Clean and sterilise surgical instruments and medical equipment
• Run in-house diagnostic tests (e.g. blood samples) under supervision
• Liaise with external labs regarding samples
• Support in maintaining stock levels and replenishing clinical supplies
• Greet clients and assist with patient admissions and discharges
• Answer incoming calls and provide basic support or elevate appropriately
• Offer a calm and compassionate presence to clients during visits
• Accurately record patient information and communicate updates to the team
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across clinical and non-clinical areas
• Follow infection control protocols, including isolation procedures as needed
• Complete daily cleaning tasks, equipment checks, and hygiene logs
• Assist with stock rotation and restocking of clinical consumables

About you:

• Calm, compassionate, with a passion for animal care
• Strong communication skills with both clients and colleagues
• Able to follow instructions and take ownership of delegated tasks
• Confident in relaying accurate information to team members and clients
• High attention to hygiene, safety, and infection control
• Previous experience in a veterinary or animal care role (desirable but not essential)
• Willingness to learn and develop within a clinical setting
• Experience working in a Veterinary environment is desirable

Hours:

07:00-17:30hrs

Rota:

4 on 4 off rota, Average of 35hr week

Holiday:

5.6 Weeks (including Bank Holidays)