Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

This is your opportunity to step into the clinical world as a Veterinary Care Assistant at Chapelfield Vets in Long Stratton. You’ll work part-time (4 × 7.5 hours Monday–Friday, plus one Saturday in five on TOIL basis, 8:30–13:30) as a valued member of a collaborative five-site Norfolk practice. The Long Stratton location boasts excellent facilities—digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, orthopaedic theatre, dedicated dental room, and two operating theatres—giving you exposure to diverse clinical work in a modern setting.

Under the supervision of veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses, you’ll be the backbone of the clinical team, handling patient care, maintaining sterile environments, and ensuring the practice runs like clockwork. This role is ideal if you’re eager to develop foundational veterinary skills and explore potential pathways into nursing or beyond.

You’ll be part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, where your career can grow without limits—supported by structured development programmes and clear progression routes from VCA through to Registered Veterinary Nurse level.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the clinical team with daily inpatient care and patient handling
• Prepare and maintain consult rooms to high standards
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across clinical areas, including theatre and consulting spaces
• Sterilise equipment and manage stock control and restocking
• Handle and care for animals with compassion, confidence, and proper restraint techniques
• Support reception with booking enquiries and telephone calls when needed
• Contribute to a positive, compassionate experience for patients and clients

Requirements

• A genuine interest in animal welfare and veterinary medicine
• Reliable, motivated, and team-focused approach
• Strong communication skills with colleagues and clients
• Excellent organisational abilities in a busy, fast-paced environment
• Proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• No previous veterinary experience required—enthusiasm and willingness to learn are essential

Benefits

• Leave & Time Off: 6.6 weeks’ annual leave (FTE), additional leave for your birthday, and increasing leave accrued through length of service
• Learning & Development: Structured VCA development programmes and apprenticeships, clear progression pathways into Student Veterinary Nurse roles, and access to the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Health & Wellbeing: Healthcare Cash Plan, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay)
• Financial & Lifestyle: Pension scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, discounted staff pet care, voluntary benefits, and access to retail discounts and cashback
• Culture: Supportive, collaborative teams focused on delivering high-quality care and professional development

About the Practice

Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership is a five-site practice across Norfolk, with the Long Stratton location serving as a modern, well-equipped facility. The team is known for its collaborative culture and commitment to professional development—colleagues hold veterinary certificates, and there’s a genuine culture of supporting one another to grow leadership skills and clinical confidence. The practice treats dogs, cats, and small pets, with a particular friendly approach to exotics and rabbits.

As part of IVC Evidensia, Chapelfield benefits from the resources, learning opportunities, and values-led culture of the UK and Europe’s largest veterinary care group, united by the shared purpose of creating happier animals and happier owners.