Animal Care Auxiliary

About the Role

You'll be the backbone of our Maple branches in Penketh, Grappenhall, and Halton View, working a standard 40-hour week with one Saturday in four (time given back in lieu) and one paid Sunday in four. This hands-on role combines patient care with client-facing duties, giving you a flavour of veterinary practice from multiple angles.

The position includes assisting vets and RVNs with patient restraint and laboratory tests, managing reception duties and insurance paperwork, maintaining high standards of cleanliness, and coordinating with teams across the Maple branches and the main St Helens hospital. You'll be responsible for opening and closing branches, and weekend shifts (1 full weekend in 4) are based at the main hospital, with shift patterns ranging from 7am to 6.30pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist Veterinary Surgeons and RVNs with patient restraint and laboratory tests
• Manage all reception duties, including insurance forms and weekly debtor lists
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across the branch
• Open and close branches responsibly
• Communicate and coordinate with teams at Penketh, Grappenhall, Halton View, and the main St Helens hospital
• Cover bank holidays on a rota basis (minimum 1 per year at the main hospital)
• Provide flexible cover at other surgeries as required

Requirements

• Full driving licence required
• Passion for high-quality animal care and client service
• Ability to work effectively in both small and large team environments
• Flexibility to work across multiple sites and adjust to shift patterns

Benefits

• Hourly rate of £12.71
• 6 weeks holiday per year including bank holidays (pro rata)
• CPD allowance and in-house CPD sessions at the hospital
• Company pension scheme
• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Program
• Enhanced family schemes including maternity and paternity leave
• Staff discount schemes

About the Practice

The Rutland House Group operates the Maple branches (Penketh and Grappenhall in Warrington, and Halton View in Widnes) alongside a main 24/7 hospital in St Helens. The practice provides comprehensive small animal care and is structured to ensure continuity of care across all locations, with centralised support and emergency cover available round the clock.