Veterinary Patient Care Assistant

CVS Group; Woodbridge; Hybrid; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' annual leave

Staff discount on veterinary bills

Employee Assistance Programme

CVS Vets perks

Job summary

Melton Veterinary Centre, part of CVS Vets, is hiring a Veterinary Patient Care Assistant. You will support RVNs and Vets, care for animal patients, and assist with clinics in a friendly, animal-first practice.

The role is part-time, 30 hours per week at Spur End, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1RH, with a Monday–Friday pattern and some weekend rotation. National Minimum Wage applies; experience in animal care is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in animal care and handling is essential.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and empathetic in emotional situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to animal patients.
• Assist Vets and Nurses with restraint and handling.
• Walk, feed and clean animals as required.
• Prepare emergency and operating facilities for procedures.
• Perform general cleaning and maintenance in the practice.
• Run internal lab samples as needed.
• Answer emergency calls and support reception when required.

Skills

Customer service

Public interaction

Communication skills

Empathy

Team player

Animal welfare

Animal care

Job description

Are you ready to put pets first? Join our team as our new Veterinary Patient Care Assistant.

At Melton Veterinary Centre, we make pets a priority every day!

Role Details

Location: Spur End, Melton, Woodbridge, IP12 1RH

Contract: 3-Month Fixed Term Contract

Hours: Part-time, 30 hours per week

Shift Pattern: Monday – Friday on a varied shift pattern, with a share in the Weekend rota too

Salary: Will be paid at the National Minimum Wage

Must Haves: Animal care and handling experience

Discover Our Practice

Get a glimpse of what makes us special: Melton Veterinary Centre - CVS Vets 24/7 | CVS Vets

About CVS Vets

Joining a CVS Vets-owned practice is more than just starting a job—it's the beginning of a rewarding career with one of the UK's leading veterinary groups.

Our mission is simple yet meaningful: to provide the best possible care for animals, and this dedication guides everything we do.

With a network of over 500 practices and more than 8,000 devoted professionals, you'll become part of a supportive community focused on one goal: putting pets first.

It'sin our nature – to care, to support,to learnand to progress.That's what sets us apart at CVS Vets.

About the role

The Patient Care Assistant position is crucial in any veterinary practice. You'll support our skilled RVN's and Vets in providing exceptional care to our animal patients.

Your responsibilities will include

• Providing nursing care to our patients
• Assisting Vets and Nurses with animal restraint
• Walking, feeding, and cleaning patients
• Preparing emergency and operating facilities
• Performing general cleaning and maintenance
• Running internal lab samples
• Answering emergency calls
• Supporting the reception team when needed, including booking appointments and processing payments

Who We're Looking For

• Skilled in customer service and public interaction
• Resilience and the ability to handle emotional situations with kindness and professionalism
• Strong communication skills paired with genuine empathy
• Experienced in animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, and handling – this is essential!
• Resilient and capable of handling emotional situations
• Positive and a team player
• Preferably have experience in a veterinary environment

Our Offer to You

We understand that benefits matter. Here are just a few of the perks you'll enjoy:

• Salary aligned with the National Minimum Wage (£12.71 per hour for those aged 21 and over, £10.85 per hour for those aged between 18-20)
• Five weeks' annual leave (pro rata) per annum, plus bank holidays
• Staff discount scheme on Veterinary bills and care
• Staff discount on Animed Direct, our online dispensary, where you can benefit from discounts on pet medicines, products and food
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• And lots more, as part of our commitment to help you feel recognised, supported and appreciated!

For a full list of what we offer, click here: CVS Vets | What We Offer

CVS Vets is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their true selves, celebrating diversity and empowering each team member to perform at their best.

We're committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

Please note: We can only accept and progress applications from candidates with the Right to Work in the UK, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for clinical support roles due to Home Office criteria.