Veterinary Care Assistant - Wards

British Veterinary Association; Ringwood; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading veterinary hospital in Ringwood is looking for a dedicated Veterinary Care Assistant to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animal handling and be committed to delivering exceptional care. This part-time role includes shifts across a weekend rota and offers benefits such as extensive annual leave and learning opportunities. Join a compassionate team focused on animal well-being.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Discounted staff pet care

Cycle to work scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Prior experience in animal handling is preferred.
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
• Must showcase dedication to professional and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic inpatient care to animals.
• Assist Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses with patient restraint.
• Maintain high hygiene standards in the hospital.

Skills

Animal handling

Effective communication

Time management

Compassionate approach

Team player

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‑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. In addition to carrying out essential daily tasks such as providing basic inpatient care, restocking and maintaining our hospital’s high hygiene standards, assisting Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses with patient restraint, providing basic massage & physiotherapy techniques, running a variety of in‑house laboratory tests and assisting with maintaining our wards 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 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 centre. 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 part‑time position working 40 hours per week across 4 shifts, with inclusion in the 1:5 weekend rota.

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 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 100s of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care