Student Veterinary Nurse / Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

This is a full-time opportunity to begin your journey as a Student Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Care Assistant at a thriving 20-vet practice in the heart of East Dulwich. You’ll work 37 hours per week across four days (Monday to Friday, averaging 9.5 hours daily), with a 1:4 weekend rota (Saturday and Sunday, 9am–7pm) and a 1:8 shorter rota covering Saturdays only (8:30am–3pm). Day-off-in-lieu is typically the following Monday after Sunday shifts.

Based across the road from Peckham Rye Park, The Neighbourhood Vet occupies a beautifully refurbished former art gallery with dedicated surgery, x-ray facilities, three consulting rooms, and separate wards for dogs and cats. You’ll be part of a 72-strong team that prides itself on being kind, compassionate, and genuinely supportive—where laughing and creating good days at work matters as much as excellent patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Support inpatient care under the guidance of veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses
• Assist with patient handling, restraint, and positioning during procedures
• Maintain clinical areas and equipment to high standards
• Contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for both patients and their owners
• Develop both clinical and non-clinical nursing skills while working towards RVN qualification

Requirements

• Genuine interest in animal welfare and a caring, professional approach
• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues and clients
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage tasks in a busy environment
• Reliable, motivated, and proactive approach to learning
• Openness to feedback and commitment to development
• Currently enrolled on or keen to pursue Veterinary Nursing qualification (or VCA training pathway)

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks’ annual leave plus your birthday off, increasing with length of service
• Structured development opportunities including access to VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
• Clear career pathways with progression to qualified RVN roles and beyond
• Funded learning and development aligned to your role, plus access to IVC Evidensia Academy
• Enhanced family-friendly policies: maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits: Green Cars salary sacrifice and access to hundreds of retail discounts and cashback
• Supportive, values-led culture focused on care and continuous improvement

About the Practice

The Neighbourhood Vet was established in 2011 by Amber and Suzanne, who transformed a derelict, condemned art gallery into the thriving three-site practice it is today. The main hospital sits on popular Lordship Lane in East Dulwich, with branch clinics in Crofton Park and Penge, serving the local community for over 12 years. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group comprising over 900 practices and referral hospitals.

The practice’s identity is built around its staff—passionate animal lovers who work in a happy, stimulating environment with access to regular training courses. Regular professional development ensures the team retains its interest and knowledge while delivering excellent service to clients and their pets.