Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

You’ll be joining PDSA Derby as a Veterinary Care Assistant, supporting a busy hospital team that helps pets and owners in financial hardship. The role brings together customer service, clinical support and practical day-to-day care, with a clear focus on pet wellbeing and the wider clinical team.

Your work will include keeping the hospital clean, safe and hygienic, helping with animal handling, covering reception when needed and supporting Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons. You’ll also speak with clients about appropriate financial contributions with empathy and professionalism. This is a full-time fixed-term role for 12 months, and the listing also notes that part-time hours may be available depending on hospital needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the hospital team with day-to-day care.
• Help maintain a clean, safe and hygienic environment.
• Assist with animal handling.
• Work on reception when needed.
• Provide hands-on support to Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons.
• Discuss appropriate financial contributions with clients in a professional and empathetic way.

Requirements

• Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma, or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience working within a veterinary practice.
• Strong customer service skills.
• A caring, practical approach.
• Highly self-motivated, organised and reliable.
• Aged 18 or over, due to the varied shift pattern.
• Passion for animal welfare and a willingness to learn and grow.

Benefits

• Salary of £26,278.
• Fixed-term contract for 12 months.
• Flexible working options.
• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays.
• Three paid special days each year: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day.
• Generous pension options, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
• Life assurance at four times your annual salary.
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support.
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts through the Fetch benefits platform.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.

About the Practice

PDSA Derby is described as a highly collaborative and effective hospital, with a strong focus on teamwork, case discussion and shared learning. The wider PDSA network is presented as the UK’s leading veterinary charity, supporting pets of people in financial hardship.

The Pet Hospitals are modern and well equipped, with separate dog and cat kennelling, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment.