Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position working 37.5 hours per week in a busy, modern pet hospital that serves the local community with compassionate veterinary care. You’ll be part of a collaborative team where case discussion and shared learning are core to how the hospital works, supporting both Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses across all aspects of daily animal care.

The Sunderland hospital is well-equipped with separate dog and cat kennelling facilities, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment. Your varied shift pattern means you’ll experience different aspects of hospital life and develop a broad foundation for a career in veterinary practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support to the clinical team, assisting with animal handling and restraint
• Maintain clean, safe and hygienic environments throughout the hospital at all times
• Support reception duties when needed, ensuring seamless communication between front desk and clinical areas
• Work alongside Veterinary Nurses and Surgeons to deliver direct animal care
• Discuss financial contributions with clients sensitively and professionally, explaining payment options with empathy
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment where knowledge and experience are shared
• Demonstrate commitment to animal welfare and PDSA’s mission to support pets of people in financial hardship

Requirements

• Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma (or equivalent qualification)
• Verified experience working within a veterinary practice
• Aged 18 or over (due to varied shift patterns)
• Highly self-motivated with strong customer service skills
• Practical, caring approach to animal care and client interaction
• Well-organised and reliable, able to work effectively as part of a supportive team
• Passionate about animal welfare and committed to continuous learning

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £26,278 per annum
• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays annually
• Three paid special days off each year: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day
• Pension scheme with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%
• Life assurance providing four times your annual salary
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts through the Fetch benefits platform
• Flexible working options to support work–life balance
• Access to a supportive, collaborative team culture focused on meaningful work

About the Practice

PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) has provided vital veterinary care for over a century, specifically supporting the pets of people in financial hardship. The organisation is undergoing an ambitious expansion to reach even more communities across the country. PDSA’s Sunderland Pet Hospital is a modern, well-equipped facility with a collaborative team culture that values case discussion, shared learning and varied clinical interests—creating an environment where team members can develop knowledge and skills.

PDSA is committed to embedding diversity, inclusion and safeguarding across all teams. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks, and the organisation offers family-friendly, inclusive employment policies with opportunities for flexible working arrangements.