Veterinary Care Assistant - Days/Nights

British Veterinary Association; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known veterinary organization in Brighton is seeking a compassionate veterinary nursing assistant. This hands-on position requires collaboration with veterinary teams to provide excellent care. Key responsibilities include supporting clinical procedures, welcoming clients, and ensuring hospital hygiene. The ideal candidate has a passion for animal care and the ability to work under pressure. Competitive salary with extensive benefits included.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Passionate about animal care and welfare.
• Team player with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• Flexible and reliable under pressure.
• Willing to learn and develop new skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist vets during procedures and inpatient care.
• Support with basic animal handling and grooming.
• Welcome clients and manage reception duties.
• Ensure cleanliness and compliance with health standards.

Skills

Animal care and welfare

Teamwork

Strong communication

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Job description

We are looking for a compassionate and proactive veterinary nursing assistant to join our dedicated team at our 24/7 veterinary hospital in Brighton. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves animals, thrives in a fast‑paced clinical environment, and is keen to build a rewarding career in veterinary nursing.

You'll work closely with our nursing, veterinary, and support teams to provide exceptional care to our patients and their owners. This is a hands‑on role where no two days are the same, from supporting clinical procedures to welcoming clients at reception.

This position offers excellent career development, with a clear progression pathway into formal Veterinary Nurse training.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Care & Nursing Support
  • Assist vet nurses and vets during consultations, procedures, and inpatient care
  • Support with basic animal handling, monitoring, feeding, grooming, and exercise
  • Prepare equipment, treatment rooms, and wards for daily operations
  • Maintain accurate patient records and assist with stock control
• Client Care & Reception
  • Welcome clients in a professional and friendly manner
  • Support with reception duties, including answering phones, booking appointments, and taking payments
  • Update client information and assist with communication between clinical teams and pet owners
• Hospital Maintenance & Hygiene
  • Ensure all areas of the hospital are kept clean, organised, and compliant with health and safety standards
  • Support with laundry, sterilisation of equipment, and general housekeeping duties

You will be an integral part of a friendly, supportive and dedicated team here at New Priory Vets. You will find that no two days are the same in this interesting and varied role. Although some shifts can be very busy and demanding, the rewards from helping the practice provide an excellent standard of client and animal care, and seeing animals nursed back to health, make the job extremely worthwhile. Many of our Veterinary Nursing Assistants have gone on to study Veterinary Nursing, while others have stayed with us as long‑term, valued members of the Veterinary Nursing Assistant team.

Join a team you are proud to be part of

Both our branches and hospital are well‑equipped with X‑ray, dental X‑ray, ultrasound, and theatre facilities. Our Brighton hospital boasts CT, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and a state‑of‑the‑art theatre.

You will support our fantastic team of first‑opinion Vets, Registered Veterinary Nurses, Specialists and Advanced Practitioners.

Our family feel is hugely important to us, and it is paramount that anyone joining the team fits in well. If you are friendly, positive, and supportive of your colleagues, then you will fit in perfectly.

About You

• Essential:
  • Passion for animal care and welfare
  • Team player with a positive, can‑do attitude
  • Strong communication and people skills
  • Flexible, reliable, and able to remain calm under pressure
  • Willingness to learn, take direction, and develop new skills
• Desirable (but not essential):
  • Experience working with animals, in a veterinary setting, or in a care/clinical/customer‑facing environment
  • Understanding of animal behaviour and handling

We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds; whether you've worked with animals before, come from a healthcare or customer service role, or are looking for a meaningful career change.

Your shift pattern

You will work 40 hours across 5 days per week. This is a hybrid role including a mixture of day & night shifts, weekends & bank holidays included.

In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from:

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be 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