Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to build a veterinary career with PDSA, a charity that’s been providing vital veterinary care to pets of people in financial hardship for over a century. You’ll work across two locations—Hendon Pet Hospital and Edmonton Green Clinic—both modern, well-equipped facilities that foster teamwork and shared learning. The role offers a 12-month fixed-term contract on a full-time or part-time basis (up to 37.5 hours per week), providing an excellent foundation if you’re serious about developing within veterinary practice.

You’ll be part of a busy, purpose-driven environment where no two days are the same. Your work directly impacts vulnerable pet owners and their beloved animals, making this far more than a standard support role—it’s genuinely meaningful work.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain clean, safe and hygienic environments across kennelling, treatment areas and clinical spaces
• Assist with animal handling and positioning during examinations and procedures
• Provide hands-on clinical support to Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons during consultations and treatments
• Support reception duties when required, handling client queries and bookings
• Discuss financial contributions with clients sensitively and professionally, ensuring those in hardship can access care
• Contribute to the wider hospital team’s day-to-day operations and case discussions

Requirements

• Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma (or equivalent qualification)
• Proven experience working within a veterinary practice
• Aged 18 or over (due to varied shift patterns)
• Strong customer service skills with genuine empathy for clients facing financial difficulties
• Excellent organisational abilities and reliability
• Practical, hands-on approach to animal care
• Ability to work effectively as part of a supportive team
• Passion for animal welfare and commitment to PDSA’s mission

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £27,066 per annum (including allowances, pro rata)
• Holiday: 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Wellbeing support: Three paid special days annually—Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day
• Pension: Generous scheme with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%
• Life assurance: Four times your annual salary
• Mental health support: 24/7 AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working: Options available to support work-life balance
• Family-friendly policies: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Employee discounts: 10% off PDSA Pet Insurance, staff veterinary services access, and retail/holiday/lifestyle discounts via Fetch benefits platform

About the Practice

Hendon Pet Hospital and Edmonton Green Clinic are collaborative, modern facilities operated by PDSA, one of the UK’s leading veterinary charities. Both locations feature separate dog and cat kennelling, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and comprehensive orthopaedic equipment. The teams are known for excellent case discussion and shared learning, with diverse clinical interests that create a rich learning environment.

PDSA is expanding its reach to support even more vulnerable pet owners and their animals. The organisation is actively recruiting passionate individuals who share its mission to ensure no pet is left behind due to their owner’s financial circumstances. You’ll be joining a supportive, inclusive workplace that values diversity, promotes animal welfare, and genuinely cares about its people.