Veterinary Patient Care Assistant

About the Role

Pet Doctors Soham is seeking an enthusiastic Patient Care Assistant to join its team on a part-time basis. This role offers the perfect stepping stone for someone considering a career in veterinary nursing, combining practical animal care with exposure to all aspects of a busy first-opinion practice. You’ll work 20 hours across 4 days each week, with shifts varying between 8:30am–12:30pm and 3pm–7pm, plus a share in the 1-in-4 Saturday morning rota. The position spans across both the Soham and Ely practice locations, giving you varied experience across two sites.

You’ll be at the heart of patient care—working alongside qualified RVNs and veterinary surgeons to ensure every animal receives outstanding support. Whether preparing operating facilities, supporting recovery, or providing reassurance to anxious owners, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the high standards Pet Doctors Soham is known for. The practice is development-focused, meaning you’ll receive industry-leading training and hands-on guidance to build your skills and confidence from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care and support to patients in recovery
• Assist veterinary surgeons and RVNs with animal restraint during treatment and examination
• Manage patient welfare: cleaning, walking, and feeding hospitalised animals
• Prepare and maintain operating theatres and emergency facilities to clinical standards
• Restock medical equipment and supplies
• Carry out general cleaning and maintenance duties throughout the practice
• Cover the reception desk, handling telephone enquiries, appointment bookings, and payments

Requirements

• Excellent communicator with strong empathy for animals and their owners
• Proven customer service experience and ability to handle public-facing interactions professionally
• Resilience and emotional maturity to work sensitively with distressing situations
• Positive attitude with strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Minimum 5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science
• Experience in a veterinary environment is desirable (but not essential)
• Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available for this role)

Benefits

• Salary up to £25,397 depending on experience (aligned with National Minimum Wage)
• Staff discount on veterinary bills and products
• Comprehensive health benefits including private healthcare cover
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to over 400 Mental Health First-Aiders
• Free on-site parking
• Industry-leading learning and development support
• Clear progression pathway towards veterinary nursing qualifications

About the Practice

Pet Doctors Soham is a first-opinion small animal practice operating across two locations in Cambridgeshire (Soham and Ely). As part of the CVS Group, one of the UK’s largest veterinary organisations, the practice benefits from corporate support and resources whilst maintaining its local, community focus. The team is actively development-focused, with particular emphasis on supporting staff progression into veterinary nursing roles.

CVS Group is committed to being an inclusive employer where all colleagues are supported to be themselves and where difference is celebrated. The organisation invests significantly in employee wellbeing, learning, and career development across its extensive network of companion animal, equine, farm, referral, and laboratory services.