Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

This full-time position offers 38 hours per week across four days, giving you genuine work-life balance alongside a structured 1:4 weekend rota (Saturdays, 8am to 5pm). You'll be based at the main Gateshead branch, which is part of a four-site practice network that includes Whickham, Sunderland, and Crawcrook. Two of these branches perform procedures, exposing you to varied and engaging clinical work.

Sheriffs Highway Vets sits within easy commuting distance of Newcastle City Centre, the North East coastline, and the Northumberland countryside. The practice is well equipped with digital and dental radiography, flexible and rigid endoscopes, comprehensive in-house laboratory facilities (haematology, biochemistry, EPOC machines), and advanced ultrasound with Doppler capability for soft tissue, orthopaedic, and endoscopic surgery support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inpatient care including feeding, grooming, and maintaining clean, safe patient environments
• Assist veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses with patient restraint during examinations and procedures
• Maintain high infection control and hygiene standards throughout the practice
• Support laboratory activities by running diagnostic samples and preparing equipment
• Contribute to reception duties and client support

Requirements

• A caring, professional approach with genuine interest in animal welfare
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues and clients
• Good organisational abilities and capacity to manage multiple tasks in a busy environment
• A proactive attitude to learning and openness to feedback
• Experience working with animals in a clinical or non-clinical setting is advantageous but not essential

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies: maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• Structured development programmes and VCA apprenticeships
• Clear career pathways with progression into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
• Learning and development via the inspiring vet care Academy
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to hundreds of retail discounts and cashback programmes

About the Practice

Sheriffs Highway Vets is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals annually. The practice comprises four branches serving the Gateshead and surrounding North East region, with a main branch in Gateshead and satellite locations in Whickham, Sunderland, and Crawcrook. Two sites are equipped for surgical procedures, creating a dynamic clinical environment.

The practice is well resourced with modern diagnostic and surgical equipment and operates within a values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement. The team is committed to supporting your development and wellbeing, offering clear pathways for career progression within the inspiring vet care group.