Patient Care Assistant

About the Role

This full-time position offers the chance to work 40 hours per week as a core member of Dovecote Veterinary Hospital’s clinical team. You’ll work alongside qualified RVNs and vets, supporting patient care across first opinion and a range of specialist referral services including Neurology, Orthopaedics, Oncology, Soft Tissue, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Ophthalmology. The hospital also operates the Mi-Night out-of-hours service, providing you with exposure to diverse cases and a dynamic working environment within a large, welcoming team that actively encourages learning and skill development.

Based in Castle Donington, Derbyshire, this role sits at the foundation of the practice’s outstanding care standards—you’ll gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of veterinary nursing and practice operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to patients, including monitoring, feeding, walking, and general welfare
• Assist vets and RVNs in restraining animals safely during examination and treatment
• Prepare operating facilities and maintain clinical cleanliness standards
• Run internal laboratory samples and support diagnostic work
• Perform general cleaning and maintenance throughout the hospital
• Cover reception duties including answering calls, booking appointments, handling enquiries, and processing payments

Requirements

• Strong communication skills with genuine empathy for animals and their owners
• Proven customer service experience and comfort dealing with the public
• Practical experience in animal welfare—feeding, cleaning, medicating, and handling—with solid understanding of animal welfare needs
• Resilience to handle emotionally challenging situations with professionalism
• Positive attitude and excellent teamwork abilities
• Right to Work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available for this role)
• Experience in a veterinary environment is desirable but not essential

Benefits

• Salary in line with National Minimum Wage
• Generous annual leave: 5 weeks per year plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 4 additional weeks
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and products
• Comprehensive health benefits package
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to over 400 Mental Health First-Aiders
• Inclusive, supportive workplace culture that celebrates diversity

About the Practice

Dovecote Veterinary Hospital is an RCVS-accredited facility offering both first opinion and referral services. The practice provides specialist care across Neurology, Orthopaedics, Oncology, Soft Tissue, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Ophthalmology. The hospital operates as part of CVS Group, a market-leading veterinary organisation, and hosts the Mi-Night emergency and out-of-hours service during evenings and weekends. The team is characterised by a collaborative, learning-focused culture that supports professional development.

CVS is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all colleagues can be themselves, difference is celebrated, and everyone has the support needed to deliver excellent care.