Vet Care Assistant

Jurassic Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A busy small-animal veterinary practice in Manchester is seeking a full-time Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) with at least 1 year of experience. Responsibilities include clinical support, patient care, and facility maintenance. Candidates must possess strong communication skills and the ability to handle small animals, including the need to work one Saturday every four weeks. This role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year's experience as a VCA (or similar role) in a veterinary practice.
• Good practical knowledge of handling small animals, with exotics as an advantage.
• Strong communication skills: clear, compassionate, and professional.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and restrain patients for examinations.
• Assist with patient admissions and provide post-op instructions.
• Restock clinical supplies and support the reception team as needed.

Skills

VCA experience

Handling small animals

Strong communication skills

Basic IT literacy

Job description

Overview

Must have VCA experience. Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) – Busy Small‑Animal Practice - Manchester

Position

Full‑Time VCA (4 days/week + 1 in 4 Saturdays)

Location

Manchester (easily accessible by public transport)

Hours & Pattern

• Regular Hours: 4 days per week (Monday-Friday)
• Weekend Cover: One Saturday in every four (rotating rota)
• Typical Shift: 8:30 am-6:00 pm (with 1‑hour unpaid break)
• Flexibility: Occasional late finishes or early starts by mutual agreement

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Support
  • Prepare and restrain patients for examinations, diagnostics, and treatments
  • Monitor, record and report vital signs during anesthesia and recovery
  • Administer medications and sub‑cutaneous injections under direction of RVN/veterinarian
• Facility & Equipment Maintenance
  • Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical and diagnostic equipment
  • Ensure kennels, wards, and treatment areas are clean, stocked and secure
• Client & Patient Care
  • Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and provide post‑op instructions
  • Weigh animals, record observations, and communicate findings to the clinical team
• Team Support & Administration
  • Restock clinical supplies and place orders as needed
  • Support reception team when needed (e.g. answering overflow calls, filing)
  • Participate in daily team huddles and contribute to continuous improvement

Essential Criteria

• Minimum 1 year's experience as a VCA (or similar role) in a veterinary practice
• Good practical knowledge of handling small animals (cats, dogs, exotics an advantage)
• Strong communication skills: clear, compassionate, and professional with clients
• Ability to work calmly under pressure in a busy environment
• Basic IT literacy and willingness to learn practice management software
• Flexibility to cover one Saturday in four on a rotating rota