Veterinary Kennel Assistant

IVC Evidensia Group; Sittingbourne; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Birthday off

Healthcare plan

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Wellpets Kent in Sittingbourne is seeking a Veterinary Kennel Assistant on a full-time permanent basis. Join a caring veterinary team delivering high-quality care to small animals, with opportunities for development within the inspiring vet care framework.

You will be responsible for kennel maintenance, hygiene, and supporting clinical teams, including reception duties and client communications. A proactive, team-oriented approach and a passion for animal welfare are essential.

Qualifications

• Reliable and motivated team player with a caring approach.
• Good communication and ability to collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Strong organisational skills to manage tasks in a busy environment.
• Proactive attitude to learning with openness to feedback and development.

Responsibilities

• Carry out cleaning and preparation of animal accommodation, including bedding and kennel requirements.
• Follow infection control procedures and maintain hygiene to high standard, with proper recording.
• Prepare theatre and prep areas for routine and non-routine procedures.
• Set up clinical environments and equipment for procedures in line with SOPs.
• Care for and maintain clinical equipment, including routine cleaning.
• Dispose of clinical waste in line with H&S and environmental rules.
• Assist with reception duties and communicate with clients and suppliers.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Organisation

Willing to learn

Job description

Wellpets Kent, Sittingbourne, Sittingbourne, South East

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Veterinary Kennel Assistant to join our team at Wellpets, Sittingbourne on a full-time permanent basis.

Wellpets provide professional, dedicated veterinary care to achieve the highest standards of practice. Our small animal practices are located in North Kent. Our surgeries feature a variety of in-house diagnostic facilities. Our experienced and caring teams of vets, nurses and support staff offer a complete veterinary service from routine examinations, vaccinations, to surgery.

At Wellpets we aspire to work in a positive, caring environment where we know we can make a difference by doing all we can to love and look after pets and their people.

How You’ll Make a Difference

Working Pattern

• This is a full-time permanent role working 40 hours per week.
• Mon- Fri Shifts variable - 1in 4 Saturdays

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out cleaning and preparation of accommodation for animals, including choice of bedding, kennel requirements for various species and patient conditions.
• Effectively carry out practice protocols, hygiene and biosecurity procedures and support and implement infection control procedures including ensuring daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning is carried out to a high standard & recorded.
• Prepare theatre and prep areas for specified routine and non-routine procedures
• Be competent in setting up clinical environments and associated equipment (checks to be made by RVN) for a range of clinical and surgical procedures and adhere to practice protocols and SOPs.
• Be competent in the care and maintenance of clinical equipment, including routine cleaning and care of complex equipment.
• Ensure correct disposal of clinical waste and comply with H+S and environmental legislation.
• Be fully aware of all Health & Safety issues and read all information supplied.
• Keep up to date with preventative healthcare, product knowledge and practice policies so clients can be advised accurately.
• Cover reception duties as and when required.
• Answer phone and communicate with clients and suppliers.
• Communicate with clients regarding feeding and discharge of inpatients from non-complicated procedures.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to develop within a veterinary environment. You’ll bring:

• A caring, professional approach with a genuine interest in animal welfare
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively in a busy environment
• A proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Experience of working with animals in either a clinical or non-clinical setting would be advantageous

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• Structured development opportunities, including access to VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
• Supportive, collaborative teams focused on delivering high-quality patient and client care
• A values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes, subject to eligibility criteria
• Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

Wellpets Kent, Sittingbourne

3-5 Periwinkle Court, Church Street, Sittingbourne, ME10 2JZ, United Kingdom