Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

This part-time continental position operates on a seven-week rotating schedule that includes full night shifts, weekends, evenings, and daytime hours. You'll be at the heart of day-to-day hospital operations in a busy, purpose-driven environment where your work genuinely improves the lives of pets and owners who rely on PDSA's support.

You'll be involved in every aspect of clinical care, from maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic environment across clinical areas, kennels and equipment, to providing hands-on inpatient care and animal handling support. You'll work alongside Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons, spend time on reception delivering empathetic client care, and help clients discuss appropriate financial contributions with professionalism and compassion. This is an excellent starting point if you're looking to build a career within veterinary practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain clinical areas, kennels and equipment to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene
• Provide hands-on inpatient care and assist with animal handling under supervision
• Support Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons across clinical procedures and daily operations
• Deliver excellent customer service on reception, assisting clients with empathy and professionalism
• Discuss appropriate financial contributions with clients in a sensitive and professional manner
• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive team environment focused on shared learning and case discussion

Requirements

• Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma or equivalent qualification
• Experience working within a veterinary practice
• Must be aged 18 or over due to the varied shift pattern
• Highly self-motivated with strong customer service skills
• Caring and practical approach to animal care
• Organised, reliable and able to work effectively as part of a supportive team
• Passionate about animal welfare and keen to learn and grow

Benefits

• Flexible working options to support your work-life balance
• 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Three paid special days off annually: 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
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services
• Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts through the Fetch benefits platform
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Collaborative, supportive team culture with access to varied clinical knowledge and case discussion

About the Practice

PDSA Leicester is a modern, well-equipped hospital operated by the UK's leading veterinary charity. For over a century, PDSA has provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship. The Leicester team is highly collaborative and effective, with separate dog and cat kennelling facilities, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment. Teams have varied clinical interests, giving you access to a wide pool of knowledge and experience when discussing cases and treatment plans.

PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within its teams. The organisation offers family-friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds.