Veterinary Care Assistant - Wards

British Veterinary Association; New Forest; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

The British Veterinary Association is seeking enthusiastic Veterinary Care Assistants for their state-of-the-art referral hospital. In this part-time role, you will provide essential care to animals, work alongside skilled Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses, and ensure high standards of patient care and hygiene. The successful candidates will demonstrate strong animal handling skills and a commitment to compassionate veterinary practice.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Extra leave for your birthday

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Support for non-accidental injury

Learning opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy

Pawsome Benefits reward platform

Pension scheme

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Preferred qualifications in Animal Care; significant experience in animal handling is accepted.
• Compassionate and empathetic approach required.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic inpatient care and assist with patient restraint.
• Maintain hygiene standards and support veterinary staff.
• Run in-house laboratory tests and maintain ward equipment.

Skills

Animal handling

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Time management

Communication

Education

Qualification 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-discipline referral hospital.

You'll be working closely with our Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses to provide excellent care and ensure the well-being of our patients in this friendly, multidisciplinary referral hospital.

You will work alongside Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses to provide vital nursing care, ensuring the wellbeing of our patients with this multidisciplinary referral hospital. Your responsibilities include providing basic inpatient care, restocking and maintaining our hospital's hygiene standards, assisting with patient restraint, providing basic massage & physiotherapy techniques, running in-house laboratory tests, and maintaining ward equipment.

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 high standards of veterinary care, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our team includes esteemed specialists across various disciplines, and our rehabilitation team offers physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to support post-operative recovery. We focus on ensuring the comfort and care of our patients.

A hospital designed for excellence!

SCVS is a specialist-led small animal hospital equipped to handle complex cases. Our large multidisciplinary referral hospital features impressive facilities and cutting-edge equipment, enabling us to deliver exceptional care from initial consultation to patient discharge. Located in Ringwood, Hampshire, just off the A31, we are easily accessible for our clients.

Our recent expansion includes a purpose-built theatre complex, a two-storey facility with a spacious reception and waiting area, 10 new consulting rooms, and a rehabilitation centre. Future plans include a diagnostic suite, ICU, and more enhancements.

Role requirements

• While qualifications in Animal Care and prior experience are preferred, substantial experience in animal handling and husbandry will also be considered favorably.
• Dedication to professional and ethical standards.
• The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, with a compassionate and empathetic approach.
• Strong teamwork and effective communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills are essential.
• Effective time management, self-motivation, proactivity, and initiative.

We Care, We Dare, We Share...

Our values drive everything we do. Our teams embody these values daily. We strive to foster a culture of compassion, innovation, and collaboration.

Working Pattern

This is a part-time role, working 40 hours per week across 4 shifts, with inclusion in the 1:5 weekend rota.

Why join us?

We recognize our people are key to our success. We invest in our staff, facilities, and processes.

In addition to a competitive salary, benefits include:

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Extra leave for your birthday
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Support for non-accidental injury
• Learning opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits reward platform
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care