Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

You’ll be joining Croydon Vets for Pets as a Veterinary Care Assistant on a maternity contract (minimum 12 months). This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, including 1 in 4 Saturdays. The practice is a thriving, purpose-built small animal clinic with a collaborative team of 7 vets, 6 RVNs, 3 student nurses, and experienced support staff.

Your day-to-day will be varied and hands-on: keeping the clinic clean and organised, monitoring in-patients, running clinical tests, managing stock, handling a variety of small animals safely, and assisting with theatre setups. You’ll also be the friendly face greeting clients and their pets, speaking with them over the phone and in person, providing guidance on practice services, and sharing in both the challenging moments and the joy of pet healthcare.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the clinic environment—keeping all areas clean, tidy, and well-organised, including deep cleaning tasks
• Provide hands-on animal care: feeding and monitoring in-patients, handling a variety of small animals with confidence and compassion
• Assist the clinical team: running diagnostic tests, setting up operating theatres, and supporting procedures
• Manage stock levels and ordering to keep the practice well-supplied
• Be the welcoming point of contact for clients and their pets: answering phones, greeting visitors, and communicating practice services and benefits
• Support clients during difficult times and celebrate with them during positive visits (new puppies, successful treatments)
• Work as part of a collaborative team, bringing enthusiasm and a can-do attitude to everything you do

Requirements

• Previous experience in animal handling (essential)
• Good verbal communication skills—you’ll be speaking with clients daily
• Basic computer literacy
• A calm, attentive approach with genuine empathy for clients and their pets
• Ability to multitask and remain composed when juggling competing demands
• Team player mindset with a friendly, welcoming personality
• Enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to take on varied tasks

Benefits

• 50% discount on veterinary services at Croydon Vets for Pets
• 20% discount at the Vets for Pets group, Pets at Home, and the Groom Room
• Access to exclusive discounts and cashback schemes
• Pension scheme
• Generous holiday allowance
• In-house career development opportunities
• Inclusive, values-driven workplace culture

About the Practice

Croydon Vets for Pets is a thriving small animal practice with a purpose-built facility designed to industry-leading standards. The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including two dedicated operating theatres, ultrasound, in-house laboratory facilities, and digital radiography systems. The team is committed to continuous investment in the best tools and training to deliver outstanding pet healthcare and exceptional customer service.

Located in Croydon with excellent transport links (just 25 minutes into central London) and free on-site parking, the practice offers a professional yet welcoming environment. The team embraces diversity and inclusion, valuing people from all walks of life and creating opportunities for exceptional talent to thrive.