Animal Nursing Assistant

About the Role

This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week across a busy, well-established small animal practice in Taunton. You’ll be based at Deane Vets, a thriving clinic serving the local community with a loyal client base and a passionate team of 5 veterinary surgeons, 8 registered veterinary nurses, and 6 support staff. Your role sits at the heart of clinical operations—supporting inpatient care, assisting with patient handling, maintaining clinical standards, and ensuring both patients and clients have a positive experience.

Working under the direction of a vet surgeon or registered veterinary nurse, you’ll contribute to all aspects of animal care and husbandry. This is an ideal stepping stone if you’re considering a career progression into veterinary nursing. Saturday work is included on a rota basis (8 am–1 pm); weekday shifts run 9 hours daily (8 am–7 pm, including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break) across Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on animal care and husbandry, supporting inpatients under clinical direction
• Assist with patient handling, restraint, and comfort during procedures
• Support laboratory work and specimen preparation as directed
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of clinical areas, equipment, and practice facilities through daily and deep cleaning routines
• Contribute to creating a calm, compassionate environment for patients and their owners
• Work collaboratively with the veterinary and nursing team to ensure smooth daily operations

Requirements

• A genuine passion for animal welfare and a caring, professional approach
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients
• Excellent organisational abilities and the capacity to manage multiple tasks in a busy environment
• A proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and personal development
• Ideally, 5 GCSEs at grade 4–9 (or equivalent C grade or above)
• Previous animal experience is highly desirable
• Animal care qualifications are desirable but not essential
• Reliability and motivation to work as part of a supportive team

Benefits

• Leave & Time Off: 6.6 weeks’ annual leave plus an additional day for your birthday. Leave accrual increases with length of service.
• Family Support: Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Health & Wellbeing: Healthcare Cash Plan and access to wellbeing support
• Learning & Development: Structured development programmes, apprenticeship pathways, and access to IVC Evidensia Academy. Clear progression routes into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond.
• Lifestyle Perks: Cycle to Work scheme, discounted staff pet care, and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Financial Security: Pension scheme and voluntary benefits package (choose what suits you)

About the Practice

Deane Vets is a well-established small animal practice located in Taunton, South West England, serving the local community with a strong reputation for high-quality, compassionate care. The practice specialises in dogs, cats, and small pets, and holds Rabbit Friendly status. With five veterinary surgeons, eight registered veterinary nurses, and six support staff, the team has the resources and expertise to provide comprehensive care.

The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals. Within IVC Evidensia’s structure, team members benefit from investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, supporting career growth and development at every stage.