Patient Care Assistant

About the Role

The Patient Care Assistant role is fundamental to delivering excellent veterinary care. You’ll be the backbone of the practice, supporting our qualified RVNs and vets as they provide outstanding patient care. This full-time position spans 40 hours per week across Pet Doctors’ three branches in Rustington, Chichester, and Felpham, giving you variety and the chance to build relationships across a small local network. This is a fixed-term contract for 6 months—perfect if you’re exploring your career in veterinary care or looking for a defined commitment.

You’ll be hands-on from day one: restraining animals for treatment, preparing surgical and emergency facilities, caring for in-patients, and managing the reception desk when needed. It’s a fast-paced role that requires resilience and empathy, especially when dealing with distressed animals and concerned owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care and support to patients in the practice
• Assist vets and RVNs in restraining and handling animals during treatment and procedures
• Clean, walk, and feed in-patient animals, monitoring their welfare and comfort
• Prepare emergency and operating facilities to practice standards
• Carry out general cleaning and maintenance duties throughout the practice
• Run internal laboratory samples and assist with diagnostic work
• Answer emergency calls and provide initial telephone support
• Cover reception duties, including appointment bookings, client queries, and payment processing

Requirements

• Genuine passion for animal welfare and hands-on experience with animal care (feeding, cleaning, handling, medicating)
• Excellent communicator with strong empathy for both animals and clients
• Proven customer service experience and ability to manage public interactions professionally
• Resilient attitude with the capacity to handle emotionally challenging situations
• Strong teamwork and collaborative approach to supporting the wider practice
• Experience in a veterinary environment (desirable but not essential)
• Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available for this role)

Benefits

• Competitive salary in line with the National Minimum Wage (£20,800–£25,396 annually)
• Generous annual leave: 5 weeks plus bank holidays
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and products
• Comprehensive health benefits, including private healthcare cover
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to 400+ Mental Health First-Aiders
• Additional benefits package available (see CVS Employee Benefits scheme)

About the Practice

Pet Doctors is part of CVS Group, one of the UK’s leading veterinary services providers. The practice operates three convenient locations across West Sussex—Rustington, Chichester, and Felpham—serving the local community as a first-opinion small animal clinic. The team is committed to inclusive, supportive working culture where colleagues are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.

CVS Group operates across companion animal, equine, farm, and referral services, with a strong emphasis on professional development and employee wellbeing. The organisation is dedicated to building a diverse, representative workforce that reflects the communities it serves.