Veterinary Care Assistant

British Veterinary Association; Ringwood; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary group in Ringwood is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Care Assistant. In this full-time role, you will support our team by ensuring the well-being of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. Strong animal handling skills, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are essential. You will enjoy benefits like 6.6 weeks of annual leave, enhanced family policies, and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

6.6 Weeks annual leave

Birthday leave

Family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Prior experience in animal handling and husbandry is preferred.
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses in ensuring patient well-being.
• Prepare theatres and equipment for surgery.
• Maintain cleanliness in the surgical suite.

Skills

Animal handling

Effective communication

Time management

Team player

Compassionate approach

Education

Qualifications in Animal Care

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.

You will work alongside Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses, ensuring the well-being of our patients within this multidisciplinary referral hospital. You will be helping to facilitate the efficient and effective flow of patients through the theatre suite. The role includes the preparation of theatres and equipment, preparing patients for surgery, and cleaning all areas of the surgical suite. You may also be required to work in other areas of the hospital.

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.

Role requirements:

• While qualifications in Animal Care and prior experience are preferred, substantial experience in animal handling and husbandry will also be considered favourably.
• Be able to showcase your dedication to our professional and ethical standards.
• The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, with a compassionate and empathetic approach to your work.
• Be a strong team player with confident and effective communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills are essential.
• 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 40 hrs/week Monday-Friday. These will be 8-hour shifts on a rotating shift pattern which will include a mixture of early and late shifts (7 am - 4 pm, 9 am - 6 pm, or 12 pm - 9 pm), covering different disciplines within the hospital. 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:

• 6.6 Weeks annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday, added to your holiday allowance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
• Non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care