Patient Care Assistant

About the Role

This is a full-time maternity cover position based at Harbour Vets Waterlooville, part of CVS Group. You'll be working Monday to Friday plus a share in the weekend and bank holiday rota, supporting our qualified RVNs and vets to deliver outstanding patient care.

As a Patient Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of the practice, involved in nursing care, animal handling, patient preparation, and general practice operations. You'll work with a team that prioritises both animal welfare and professional excellence, in a practice that's part of one of the UK's largest integrated veterinary services providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to patients in the practice
• Assist vets and RVNs in restraining animals for examination and treatment
• Clean, walk, and feed patients throughout their stay
• Prepare emergency and operating facilities for procedures
• Carry out general cleaning and maintenance duties
• Run and process internal laboratory samples
• Answer emergency calls and assist with triage
• Cover reception desk duties, including answering client queries, booking appointments, and processing payments

Requirements

• Experience in animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, medicating, and handling animals
• Strong understanding of how to meet the welfare needs of animals
• Excellent customer service skills and experience dealing with members of the public
• Strong communication and empathy skills
• Ability to remain resilient and cope with potentially distressing and emotional situations
• Positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills
• Experience in a veterinary environment desirable but not essential
• Right to Work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available for this role)

Benefits

• Salary in line with the National Minimum Wage
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 5 weeks per year plus bank holidays
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and products
• Private healthcare provision
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to over 400 Mental Health First-Aiders
• Additional benefits available through CVS Employee Benefits scheme

About the Practice

Harbour Vets Waterlooville is part of CVS Group plc, one of the largest integrated veterinary services providers in the UK. CVS encompasses veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories, pet crematoria, and an e-commerce division, all united by a passion for making pets a priority.

The practice is supported by a group that values its people, celebrates diversity, and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all colleagues are encouraged to be themselves and deliver their best.