Animal Nursing Assistant

About the Role

You’ll be joining Axe Valley Veterinary Practice as an Animal Nursing Assistant, supporting the clinical team across multiple sites in rural Somerset. This is a hands-on role where you’ll gain broad experience in animal care, clinical procedures, and practice operations. The team is genuinely supportive and the practice is beautifully located near Weston-super-Mare with countryside walks on your doorstep.

Your week will follow a structured full-time schedule with some weekend commitments on a rota basis (Saturday mornings and one Sunday shift)—predictable enough to plan around, varied enough to keep things interesting.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting veterinary surgeons and nurses with animal care, handling, and husbandry across multiple practice sites
• Supporting inpatient care and monitoring
• Maintaining clinical cleanliness through daily and deep cleaning protocols
• Assisting with laboratory work and sample handling
• Contributing to a well-organised and hygienic clinical environment

Requirements

• Essential: previous experience working with animals, ideally in a clinical setting
• 5 GCSEs at grade 4–9 (or C or above)
• Animal Care qualifications (desirable but not essential)
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure with a caring, empathetic approach
• Strong team player with confident and effective communication skills

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £26,528 depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks annual leave plus additional leave on your birthday
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Non-accidental injury support
• Discounted staff pet care
• Pawsome Benefits—reward gateway offering discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Learning and development opportunities through the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Employee wellbeing initiatives

About the Practice

Axe Valley Veterinary Practice is a well-equipped, forward-thinking clinic based in Blackford, Wedmore, serving rural Somerset and surrounding areas. The practice includes 12 veterinary surgeons (with advanced certificate holders in medicine and surgery), 9 registered veterinary nurses, 2 student veterinary nurses, and a dedicated support team across multiple sites.

The practice is equipped with comprehensive diagnostic and clinical facilities including endoscopy, ultrasonography, digital radiography (with dental capabilities), and in-house laboratory facilities. The team treats dogs, cats, small pets, exotic animals, rabbits, and chickens in a friendly, supportive environment.