Veterinary Care Assistant

IVC; Ferndown; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Birthday off

Pension scheme

Healthcare plan

Cycle to work

Discounted veterinary care

Job summary

inspiring vet care, based at St Mary’s Vets in Dorset, is hiring a Veterinary Care Assistant for a full-time 40-hour week. You will support the clinical team, assist with patient handling and care, and help maintain a clean, safe practice environment.

The role offers structured development through the Graduate Academy and progression paths into Student Veterinary Nurse roles. Join a friendly team with a collaborative approach, access to development programmes, and a values-led culture focused on

Qualifications

• Team-oriented approach to supporting clinical team.
• Strong communication with colleagues and clients.
• Caring attitude with animals and welfare in focus.
• Good organisation to manage tasks in a busy practice.

Responsibilities

• Support the clinical team to deliver high standards of patient and client care.
• Assist with inpatient care and patient handling under supervision.
• Maintain cleanliness of the practice and care for equipment.
• Prepare and maintain clinical areas and equipment.
• Contribute to a welcoming environment for clients, patients and colleagues.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Animal welfare

Organisation

Job description

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 Veterinary Care Assistant to join our team at St Mary’s Vets on a full-time basis.

St Mary’s Veterinary Clinic is a friendly small animal practice based in Dorset, with easy access to the Jurassic Coast and the New Forest, alongside excellent rail and road connections from nearby Bournemouth and Poole. As part of the inspiring vet care Graduate Academy and a recognised nurse training practice, we’re passionate about supporting the development of future veterinary professionals. You’ll be joining a welcoming team with a great sense of humour and a collaborative approach to patient care.

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 role working 40 hours per week, including some late shifts until 6:45pm and 1 in 3 Saturdays from 8:30am to 12:30pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Support reception and provide cover during periods of annual leave when required
• Assist the nursing team with the care and monitoring of patients
• Help with patient handling and restraint under supervision
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the practice
• Prepare and maintain clinical areas and equipment
• Contribute to a welcoming environment for clients, patients and colleagues

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
• Pension scheme
• 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.

£0 - £0 a year

Up to £26,528.31 per annum