Veterinary Care Assistant Swayne and Partners Newmarket

Kin Veterinary Community; Newmarket; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary services organization in Newmarket is seeking a qualified Veterinary Care Assistant to support the veterinary team in providing high-quality care. Responsibilities include assisting during exams, maintaining clinical hygiene, and ensuring a welcoming experience for clients. The position offers 25 days of annual leave and private healthcare benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private Healthcare

Occupational Health services

Staff discount scheme

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a veterinary practice or similar setting is essential.
• A genuine passion for animal care and welfare is required.
• Candidates must exhibit good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle and restrain animals during exams and treatments.
• Assist veterinary staff during consultations and procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness in clinical areas and ensure proper patient care.

Skills

Animal handling

Client communication

Attention to detail

Education

Qualified Veterinary Care Assistant

Job description

Job Title: Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA)
Location: Swayne & Partners, Newmarket Branch (part of Kin Vet Community)
Job Type: Full-time – 40 hours per week
Salary: £12.21 per hour

Clinical Directors: Rachel Phillips & Emily Rose
Head Nurse: Kelly Palfrey

About Us:

At Swayne & Partners, 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 across Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Southwest London. We provide compassionate, high-quality care for pets and their owners, with a strong focus on collaboration and support for our clinical teams.

Swayne & Partners is a well-established group of three small animal veterinary practices, supported by a larger hospital in Bury St Edmunds. Together, our branches offer exceptional care with day surgeries, in-house out-of-hours services, and emergency support.

We’re currently looking for a qualified Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) to join our friendly team at the Newmarket branch, working closely with our nursing team to support day-to-day clinical operations.

About the Role:

As a qualified Veterinary Care Assistant, you'll play a vital role in the smooth running of our practice. You’ll support our veterinary surgeons and nurses in providing the highest standard of patient care, maintain clinical areas to a high standard, and help ensure a welcoming experience for clients and their pets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely handle and restrain animals during exams, treatments, grooming, or procedures
• Assist vets and nurses during consultations, including equipment preparation and note-taking
• Clean and sterilise instruments and clinical areas
• Support with theatre preparation and patient recovery monitoring
• Monitor patients under supervision and maintain accurate clinical records
• Feed, hydrate, and exercise inpatients as instructed
• Maintain cleanliness of kennels and recovery areas
• Observe and report on patient welfare and comfort

Hygiene & Infection Control:

• Follow strict infection control protocols
• Clean and disinfect kennels, theatres, consult rooms, and equipment
• Safely manage and dispose of clinical waste and sharps

Reception & Client Interaction:

• Greet clients and check in patients professionally
• Book appointments and surgeries accurately
• Answer phone calls and assist with general client queries
• Process payments and update client records

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualified Veterinary Care Assistant (essential)
• Previous experience in a veterinary practice or similar setting
• A genuine passion for animal care and welfare
• Confident and calm when handling animals
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A proactive, can-do attitude with a willingness to support where needed

What We Offer:

• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays
• Private Healthcare with Vitality
• Occupational Health services
• Free eye test vouchers & contribution towards VDU glasses
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity leave
• Staff discount scheme (up to 5 registered pets)

How to Apply:

If you’re a qualified VCA looking for a rewarding and varied role in a supportive team environment, we’d love to hear from you!