Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

Spring Lodge Veterinary Group is looking for an enthusiastic Veterinary Care Assistant to join their thriving team across six connected practices in and around Witham on a fixed-term basis. You’ll work 40 hours per week with a 1:4 Saturday morning rota—balancing weekday clinic work with manageable weekend shifts across their Witham hospital and surrounding branch locations.

This is a patient-facing, hands-on role where you’ll support experienced vets and nurses in delivering compassionate animal care. You’ll be the backbone of the clinical team: handling patients, assisting with restraint, maintaining sterile treatment areas, processing lab samples, and ensuring every pet and owner feels welcomed and cared for. The practice values learning and development, with clear progression into Student Veterinary Nurse training for those keen to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct animal care including cleaning, patient handling, grooming, and general husbandry across all six sites
• Assist veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses during consultations, procedures, and inpatient management
• Perform laboratory duties such as sample processing and basic testing
• Maintain clinical areas and equipment to the highest hygiene and safety standards
• Manage client interactions with professionalism and empathy, answering queries and booking appointments
• Handle reception duties including phone inquiries, appointment scheduling, and payment processing
• Provide transport support using company vehicles to support practice operations

Requirements

• A genuine passion for animal welfare and client care
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
• Excellent organisational ability and multitasking in a fast-paced environment
• Reliability, motivation, and a proactive attitude to learning and feedback
• Prior experience working with animals in a clinical or non-clinical setting is advantageous
• Full manual driving licence, held for a minimum of one year (driving is a non-negotiable part of this role)

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £26,528 depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks’ annual leave plus your birthday off, with increasing allowance based on length of service
• Structured development and apprenticeship opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Clear career pathways into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
• Pension scheme contributions
• Discounted veterinary care for your own pets
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice and access to retail discounts and cashback

About the Practice

Spring Lodge Veterinary Group operates a modern, fully equipped hospital in Witham alongside five surrounding branch practices, serving dogs, cats, small pets, rabbits, and chickens across the local area. The team comprises experienced veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and support staff united by a commitment to compassionate, high-standard patient care and a welcoming environment for owners.

Part of IVC Evidensia—the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group—Spring Lodge benefits from access to specialist resources, continuous learning through the IVC Academy, and a supportive culture that invests in team development and wellbeing. The practice emphasises animal welfare, community engagement, and creating fulfilling careers at every level.