Patient Care Assistant

Ark (Long Eaton); Nottingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A veterinary clinic in Nottingham is seeking a part-time Veterinary Patient Care Assistant to provide nursing care, assist veterinary staff, and support animal welfare efforts. The candidate should have strong communication skills, experience in animal care, and the ability to work in emotional situations. The role offers a generous leave policy, health benefits, and operates under a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave until September 2026.

Benefits

Generous annual leave of 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays

Buy/sell up to an additional 4 weeks annual leave

Staff discount scheme

Private healthcare

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in looking after animals in a veterinary environment would be desirable.
• Strong empathy and the ability to cope with potentially distressing situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to patients.
• Assist Vets and Nurses in restraining animals.
• Clean, walk, and feed patients.
• Prepare emergency and operating facilities.
• Run internal lab samples.
• Answer emergency calls.
• Cover the receptionist desk.

Skills

Excellent communication

Customer service skills

Experience in animal welfare

Resilience

Teamwork skills

Job description

Are you passionate about making pets a priority? So are we!

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for animals to join us as a Veterinary Patient Care Assistant at Ark Veterinary Clinic in Long Eaton.

This is a fixed term contract to cover maternity leave until September 2026. It is a part time role (30 hours per week), working Tuesday‑Saturday.

About CVS

CVS Group plc is one of the largest integrated veterinary services providers in the UK encompassing four main business areas; our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories, pet crematoria and e-commerce division.

Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority, it's what is at the heart of our work, every day.

Take a look at our short film to recognise the remarkable work that our Vets, Nurses, Care Assistants and Receptionists do on the front line every day in the UK: CVS Ode to Veterinary Professionals

About the role

The Patient Care Assistant role is one of the foundations of an outstanding veterinary practice, and as a PCA you will be involved in supporting our team of qualified RVNs and Vets to provide outstanding care to our patients.

Some of the duties will include

• Nursing care to patients
• Assisting Vets and Nurses in restraining animals for treatment
• Cleaning, walking, and feeding of patients
• Preparation of emergency and operating facilities
• General cleaning and maintenance duties
• Running internal lab samples
• Answering emergency calls
• Covering the receptionist desk, including answering queries, booking appointments and taking payments

What we're looking for in our Veterinary Patient Care Assistant

• An excellent communicator with strong empathy
• Excellent customer service skills and experience in dealing with members of the public
• Experience in animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, medicating and handling and a high level of understanding of how to meet the welfare needs of animals
• Resilient with the ability to cope with potentially distressing and emotional situations
• A positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills
• Experience in looking after animals in a veterinary environment would be desirable

What we can offer you

• Salary will be in line with the National Minimum Wage
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays
• Buy/sell up to an additional 4 weeks annual leave!
• Staff discount scheme on Veterinary bills and products
• A range of health benefits including private healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to over 400 Mental Health First-Aiders
• and more! Or, if easier, you can find a full list by clicking the link here: What We Offer

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept and progress applications from candidates without the Right to Work in the UK as we cannot provide visa sponsorship, due to our clinical support roles not meeting the criteria set out by the Home Office to be eligible.

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.

To apply for this position please click 'Apply Now'.