Veterinary Care Assistant

British Veterinary Association; New Forest; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking enthusiastic Veterinary Care Assistants to join their advanced team at a state-of-the-art referral hospital. This full-time role involves collaborating with Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses to provide essential nursing care and support for animals. You will be responsible for maintaining high hygiene standards, assisting in surgical procedures, and ensuring a calm environment for patients. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the organization offers a supportive workplace that values employee well-being and professional development. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals and their owners.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Birthday leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted staff pet care

Pension scheme

Pawsome Benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in animal handling and husbandry is preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver attentive, personalized care for each patient.
• Assist with veterinary treatments and maintain equipment hygiene.
• Document patient care and manage deliveries.

Skills

Animal Handling

Communication Skills

Time Management

Teamwork

Compassionate Care

Education

Qualifications in Animal Care

Tools

Autoclaves

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Job description

We are excited to welcome applications from those eager to join our team of Veterinary Care Assistants at our state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary referral hospital.

In this role, you will collaborate with our Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses, and Student Veterinary Nurses to deliver crucial nursing care and support the well-being of our patients within this multidisciplinary setting. Your responsibilities will include working across various areas within the hospital, performing essential daily tasks, upholding our hospital's high hygiene standards, assisting with veterinary treatments, preparing surgical theatres, supporting during surgical procedures, and maintaining surgical equipment and attire.

Join an advanced team

At IVC Evidensia, we are committed to providing outstanding care to animals and exceptional service to their owners. As one of the largest and most trusted veterinary groups, we pride ourselves on our high standards of veterinary care, innovation, and dedication to continuous improvement. We boast an exceptional team of esteemed specialists across a range of disciplines. Additionally, our dedicated rehabilitation team offers physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to support post-operative recovery. We are always focused on ensuring the care and comfort of our patients.

A hospital designed for excellence!

SCVS is a specialist-led small animal hospital with the expertise and resources to handle the most complex cases. As a large multidisciplinary referral hospital, we boast impressive facilities and cutting-edge equipment, allowing us to deliver exceptional care from the initial consultation through to patient discharge. Conveniently located in Ringwood, Hampshire, just off the A31, we are ideally positioned for our clients.

Our recent expansion features a newly purpose-built theatre complex, a two-storey facility with an expansive client reception and waiting area, 10 additional consulting rooms, and a new rehabilitation center. And we're not stopping there-future enhancements include a new diagnostic suite, an ICU area, and more.

Responsibilities:

In this role, you will deliver attentive, personalised care for each patient in the hospital, including providing TLC, grooming, and ensuring a safe, calm environment with suitable toys or treats. You will support nursing staff with general tasks such as patient restraint, exercise, and intravenous catheter management, while actively engaging in patient care discussions with the team.

Other responsibilities include preparing and cleaning surgical theatres, managing, and sterilising surgical equipment, and maintaining equipment hygiene. Additionally, you will handle and pack surgical kits, conduct in-house laboratory tests, and operate autoclaves and ultrasonic cleaners. Administrative duties involve accurately documenting patient care, managing deliveries, and maintaining the dispensary area, including performing temperature checks, and restocking supplies.

Role requirements:

1. While qualifications in Animal Care and prior experience are preferred, substantial experience in animal handling and husbandry will also be considered favourably.
2. Be able to showcase your dedication to our professional and ethical standards.
3. The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, with a compassionate and empathetic approach to your work.
4. Be a strong team player with confident and effective communication skills.
5. Good interpersonal skills are essential.
6. Effective time management, self-motivation, proactivity, and the ability to use initiative are important.

We Care, We Dare, We Share...

At IVC Evidensia, our values drive everything we do. Our dedicated teams embody these values day in and day out. We are determined to foster this culture of compassion, innovation, and collaboration.

Working Pattern:

This is a full-time position, working 40hrs/week. These will be 8hr shifts on a rotating shift pattern which will include a mixture of early and late shifts between 7 am - 9 pm. There is also a 1:5 weekend on-call rota to support with emergencies and inpatient care.

Why join us?

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from:

1. 6.6 weeks annual leave
2. Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be added to your holiday allowance
3. Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
4. Cycle to work scheme
5. Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
6. Non-accidental injury support
7. Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
8. Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
9. Pension scheme
10. Discounted staff pet care