Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

This is a fixed-term opportunity to join PDSA Thamesmead’s friendly clinical team, providing direct support across all aspects of daily hospital operations. Depending on the needs of the hospital, you may work full-time or part-time hours, in a purposeful environment where you’re helping pets and families facing financial hardship access the veterinary care they need. The role offers an excellent foundation if you’re building a career in veterinary practice, with exposure to a modern, well-equipped hospital and a collaborative team culture centred on case discussion and shared learning.

You’ll split your time between clinical support, reception duties, and client communication—always with empathy and professionalism. Your work directly supports Registered Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons, helping maintain the high standards of care and hygiene that PDSA is known for.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of daily clinical and hospital operations at PDSA Thamesmead
• Maintain clean, safe and hygienic environments across kennels, treatment areas and reception spaces
• Support animal handling and care under the direction of clinical staff
• Provide hands-on assistance to Registered Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons during treatments and procedures
• Cover reception duties, including greeting clients and managing enquiries
• Discuss financial contributions with clients in a caring, professional manner—an essential part of PDSA’s charity model
• Work flexibly across the varied shift patterns required to cover hospital operations

Requirements

• Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma (or equivalent qualification)
• Proven experience working within a veterinary practice
• Must be aged 18 or over (due to varied shift patterns)
• Strong customer service skills and genuine interest in animal welfare
• Highly self-motivated with excellent organisational and communication abilities
• Reliable, practical approach and ability to work effectively as part of a supportive team
• Keen to learn, grow and contribute to PDSA’s community work

Benefits

• Flexible working to support work–life balance
• 25 days’ holiday plus all UK Bank Holidays
• Three paid special days annually: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day
• Pension 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
• Staff discounts on retail, holidays and lifestyle perks via Fetch benefits platform
• 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support your family

About the Practice

PDSA Thamesmead is a modern, well-equipped hospital delivering veterinary care to pets of people in financial hardship across London. The team is collaborative and supportive, with varied clinical interests that create a rich pool of knowledge for case discussion and continued learning. The hospital features separate dog and cat kennelling facilities, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment.

PDSA is a national charity with a century-long heritage, now expanding its reach to support more families and their pets. The organisation is committed to embedding diversity, inclusion and flexible working practices, and maintains robust safeguarding and background check procedures for all staff.