Veterinary Care Assistant - Pet Care

Kin Vet Community; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A national veterinary collective is seeking a compassionate Veterinary Care Assistant for their Pet Care location in Kent. The role involves clinical support, client interaction, and hygiene management in a busy veterinary environment. Ideal candidates will be reliable, organized, and possess strong communication skills. Attractive benefits include annual leave, private healthcare, and occupational health services.

Benefits

Annual leave plus bank holidays

Private Healthcare

Free eye test vouchers

Qualifications

• Genuine love of animals and a calm, compassionate approach to patient care.
• Strong communication and team-working skills.
• Reliable, organised, and proactive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle and restrain animals during examinations and treatments.
• Assist vets during consultations, including preparing equipment.
• Clean and sterilise surgical instruments and clinical areas.

Skills

Animal handling

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Animal Care qualification or willingness to undertake training

Job description

Job Title: Veterinary Care Assistant – Full Time
Location: Pet Care, part of Kin Vet Community based in Erith, Kent
Hours: Full-Time (40 hours/week, including 1 in 4 Saturdays, 8:30am–2:00pm)

Salary:£12.21 per hour

Clinical Director:Sebastiano Re

Head Nurse:Kirstie Staggs

Client Services Manager:Tina McQuade

At Pet Care, being part of Kin Vet Community offers numerous advantages. Kin Vet Community, established in June 2023, is a vet-led collective of 19 veterinary practices in Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Kent and Southwest London. We provide compassionate, high-quality care for pets and their owners with a strong focus on providing collaborative support for our clinicians.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Care Assistant to join our friendly team at Pet Care Veterinary Surgery. This is a hands-on role supporting the clinical team to provide exceptional care to our patients and outstanding service to our clients.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Support Duties

• Safely handle and restrain animals during examinations, treatments, grooming, or procedures
• Assist vets and nurses during consultations, including preparing equipment and note-taking
• Clean and sterilise surgical instruments and clinical areas
• Support theatre preparation and post-operative monitoring
• Monitor patients during recovery under veterinary supervision and maintain accurate records
• Feed, hydrate, walk, and exercise patients as directed by the vet team
• Maintain cleanliness of kennels, bedding, and recovery areas
• Observe and report on animal welfare and comfort
• Run basic in-house laboratory tests
• Assist veterinary nurses and surgeons during procedures

Hygiene & Infection Control

• Follow infection control protocols rigorously
• Clean and disinfect kennels, prep areas, theatres, consult rooms, and equipment
• Safely manage clinical and general waste, including sharps disposal

Reception & Client Interaction

• Greet clients and check in patients with a warm and professional manner
• Book appointments and surgeries accurately
• Handle telephone enquiries and provide clear communication to clients
• Process payments and update client records efficiently

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine love of animals and a calm, compassionate approach to patient care
• Strong communication and team-working skills
• A reliable, organised, and proactive attitude
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced clinical environment

Desirable (but not essential):

• Previous experience in a veterinary or animal care setting
• Animal Care qualification or willingness to undertake training

What we're offering:

• 5 working weeks annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time candidates)
• Private Healthcare with Vitality
• Occupational Health Services
• Free eye test vouchers and money towards your glasses for VDU users
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity leave
• 3 weeks occupational sickness pay
• Generous colleague discount scheme for up to 5 registered pets