Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital in Ashford is a purpose-built facility nestled in the scenic Garden of England, Kent. You’ll join a supportive and collaborative team with access to multiple visiting specialists. This full-time permanent role is based mainly in Ashford, with regular shifts across their Hythe and New Romney branches—a driving licence and car are essential for this multi-site position.

As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you’ll be the backbone of the clinical team, supporting vets and registered veterinary nurses to deliver excellent patient and client care while keeping the practice running smoothly and safely. You’ll work under their direction across consultations, treatments, and day-to-day operations, making a real difference to animals and their owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary surgeons and nurses during consultations, treatments, and clinical procedures
• Provide daily inpatient care including feeding, cleaning, monitoring, and welfare checks
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately during examinations and procedures
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across clinical and kennel areas
• Manage stock levels, prepare equipment, and support general practice operations
• Deliver friendly, professional customer service to clients in person and by phone

Requirements

• A genuine passion for animal welfare and a caring, professional approach to patient care
• Reliable, motivated, and comfortable working as part of a busy team
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients
• Good organisational ability and capacity to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Proactive mindset with openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous learning
• Valid driving licence and access to your own vehicle (essential for multi-site working)

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks’ annual leave (FTE), plus an additional day for your birthday
• Increasing leave accrual based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care
• Structured VCA development programmes and apprenticeship pathways
• Access to IVC Evidensia Academy for learning and professional development
• Voluntary benefits package with choice of additional perks
• Discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

About the Practice

Barrow Hill Veterinary Hospital is a purpose-built facility in Ashford, Kent, part of IVC Evidensia—the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. The practice specialises in small animal and exotic care, serving dogs, cats, small pets, and exotic species. The team is built on a collaborative, supportive culture with access to multiple visiting specialists.

IVC Evidensia is committed to supporting careers without limits, investing in learning, innovation, and wellbeing to help teams grow in confidence and capability at every career stage. The practice operates within this values-led framework, prioritising care, community, and continuous improvement.