Patient Care Assistant

About the Role

The Patient Care Assistant role sits at the heart of everyday practice operations, providing essential support to the veterinary team across nursing care, patient handling, facility preparation, and client-facing duties. You’ll work full-time on a Monday to Friday schedule with a mix of early (7:30am) and late (7:30pm) shifts, giving you predictable working hours that respect your weekends. This is a development-focused position, ideal if you’re considering progressing toward Registered Veterinary Nurse training down the line.

Based in Woodley, Active Vet Care Beechwood is part of the CVS group and operates as a small animal practice committed to staff learning and career progression. You’ll be working within a supportive environment where training and mentorship are core values.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care and support to patients, including monitoring post-operative and recovering animals
• Assist RVNs and veterinary surgeons in restraining and handling animals during examination and treatment
• Clean, walk, and feed in-patients according to clinical protocols
• Prepare and maintain operating and emergency facilities, including sterilisation support
• Restock medical equipment and supplies throughout the practice
• Perform general cleaning and maintenance of clinical and non-clinical areas
• Provide reception cover, including handling client enquiries, booking appointments, and processing payments

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills and genuine empathy for both animals and people
• Proven customer service experience in a professional environment
• Emotional resilience—ability to handle potentially distressing situations with compassion
• Strong teamwork mentality and positive attitude
• Desirable: previous experience working with animals in a veterinary or care setting
• Desirable: experience of shift work or night shifts (not required for this role)
• Right to Work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available for this position)

Benefits

• Salary in line with the National Minimum Wage, plus allowance for annualised hours contract
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and products
• Comprehensive health benefits including private healthcare coverage
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to mental health support and over 400 Mental Health First-Aiders across CVS
• Free on-site parking
• Structured training and development opportunities within a CVS development-focused practice

About the Practice

Active Vet Care Beechwood is a small animal veterinary practice in Woodley, part of the CVS group—one of the UK’s largest veterinary networks. The practice prioritises staff development and creates a supportive working environment where career progression is encouraged. Whether you’re entering the veterinary field or looking to transition toward nursing qualifications, the team is committed to your growth.

CVS is an inclusive employer dedicated to building a diverse and representative workforce. The group provides industry-leading learning opportunities, hands-on training, and mentorship to help colleagues develop skills and confidence in their roles.