Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

Join Neighbourhood Vets, a well-established small animal practice in SE London, as a Veterinary Care Assistant on a full-time basis. You'll work across their main hospital in East Dulwich and branch clinics in Crofton Park and Penge, operating a four-day week with 9.5-hour shifts and a 1-in-4 weekend rota (alternating between long and short shifts). This is an ideal entry point into veterinary medicine, offering hands-on experience in a kind, close-knit team of 72 staff.

The practice has built a strong reputation over 12 years for delivering high standards of patient and client care. Despite being a larger practice, they maintain a genuine, caring culture where staff and animals alike are treated with compassion. You'll be part of a team that takes pride in making work enjoyable and doing the right thing.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the clinical team (vets and RVNs) in delivering high-quality inpatient care and patient handling
• Assist with patient restraint, inpatient care procedures, and clinical support tasks
• Help maintain clinical areas, equipment, and the practice environment to the highest standards
• Contribute to a positive, compassionate experience for patients and clients
• Support the smooth and safe running of the practice across multiple sites

Requirements

• A reliable, motivated, and team-oriented approach with genuine interest in animal welfare
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively in a busy environment
• Proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Experience working with animals (clinical or non-clinical) is advantageous but not essential

Benefits

• Competitive salary of up to £28,500 per annum
• 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 scheme
• Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
• Pension scheme and discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to retail discounts and cashback

About the Practice

Neighbourhood Vets is a 20-vet small animal practice serving East Dulwich and the surrounding SE London community for over 12 years. The practice operates a main hospital on Lordship Lane in East Dulwich and two branch clinics in Crofton Park and Penge. Part of the inspiring vet care group (IVC Evidensia), they are committed to delivering healthier animals and happier owners across their community.

The practice is known for its warm, values-led culture centred on care, community, and continuous improvement. With a strong team of 72 staff members, Neighbourhood Vets maintains a close-knit environment where compassion and high standards of animal welfare are paramount.