Animal Care Assistant

About the Role

This is a part-time, permanent position working 25 hours per week with Saturday mornings on a rota and time off in lieu. You'll be based at Lynton Vets' brand new, purpose-built practice in Woking, part of an established three-site small animal group. There's no overnight on-call or OOH commitment, making this ideal if you're seeking a supportive entry point into veterinary practice without the demands of emergency cover.

You'll support the clinical team in delivering high-quality patient and client care, working under the direction of veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses. The role offers genuine variety: clinical support, patient handling, inpatient care, reception duties, laboratory work, and maintaining a sterile working environment. The team emphasises a family-like culture with genuine peer support, wellbeing initiatives, and a genuine commitment to your development.

Key Responsibilities

• Support inpatient care and assist with patient handling and restraint under clinical supervision
• Maintain clinical areas, equipment, and sterile working environments
• Assist with reception duties and laboratory work as part of a varied shift pattern
• Contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for both patients and clients
• Work collaboratively with a team of 7 veterinary surgeons, 9 registered veterinary nurses, 2 student veterinary nurses, and experienced reception staff

Requirements

• A caring, professional approach with genuine interest in animal welfare
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage tasks in a busy environment
• Proactive attitude to learning, openness to feedback and development
• Experience working with animals in a clinical or non-clinical setting is advantageous but not essential (full training provided)
• Relevant small animal experience in a busy practice is ideal but not required

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks annual leave plus your birthday off, with increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Structured development opportunities including VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
• Clear career pathways with progression into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
• Enhanced family-friendly policies: maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes
• Learning and development via the inspiring vet care Academy
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• No OOH commitment

About the Practice

Lynton Vets is a long-established small animal group based across three sites in Woking, Bagshot, and Addlestone. The main practice has recently relocated to a brand new, purpose-built facility with a purpose-built grooming salon on site. The group is known locally for its "Village Vet" reputation, combining high service standards with strong client relationships. The team includes 7 veterinary surgeons, 9 registered veterinary nurses, 2 student veterinary nurses, and experienced support staff.

The practice prioritises team wellbeing and culture, organising charity events such as "Ride for Dementia" and "Relay for Life", and maintaining a welcoming environment with in-house support and an essential chocolate station. Lynton Vets is part of inspiring vet care (IVC Evidensia), the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals.