Veterinary Patient Care Assistant – Ward Based

About the Role

North Downs Specialist Referrals is recruiting a dedicated Veterinary Patient Care Assistant to join their friendly, accomplished team. You’ll work alongside over 60 Registered Veterinary Nurses and 31 recognised specialists across surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, oncology, neurology, cardiology, dentistry, diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia, supporting inpatient care across all disciplines in a busy, purposeful hospital environment.

This is a full-time, permanent position working 35 hours per week with shifts running between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm. You’ll participate in weekend and bank holiday rotas, gaining exposure to the breadth of specialist work that defines a leading referral practice.

No prior veterinary experience is required – the practice provides thorough training and full support through your induction, making this ideal for animal lovers keen to develop their clinical skills in a structured, supported environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inpatient care and support across all hospital disciplines, working independently and collaboratively with the nursing and specialist teams
• Dog walking, feeding and administering oral medications to hospitalised patients
• Hospital cleaning and maintenance to ensure high standards of biosecurity and patient comfort
• Assist in restraining patients during procedures and diagnostic work
• Deliver compassionate care and comfort (‘TLC’) to patients in the hospital’s care
• Learn and develop clinical skills through hands-on experience with experienced professionals

Requirements

• Passion for animal welfare and genuine desire to provide gold standard patient care
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with initiative and self-motivation
• Professional and caring approach in all aspects of work
• Right to Work in the UK
• Previous experience in a similar role is advantageous but not essential

Benefits

• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• Extensive free online CPD programme through Linnaeus
• Career progression opportunities within the Linnaeus group
• Staff discount schemes
• Life assurance and enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Comprehensive wellness programme including employee assistance, eyecare vouchers, annual flu jab and cycle to work scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme

About the Practice

North Downs Specialist Referrals is an internationally recognised referral centre of excellence and RCVS-accredited practice offering access to one of the largest groups of veterinary specialists in the UK and Europe. The practice is home to over 60 RVNs and 31 specialists, continuously aiming to deliver the highest standards of medical and surgical care within a caring, compassionate environment. It is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world, which prioritises purpose-driven, long-term thinking alongside a culture that empowers associates to speak up, step up and deliver quality service.