Out of Hours Veterinary Care Assistant

About the Role

Vets for Pets Colchester Referral Hospital is seeking a motivated, caring and reliable Out of Hours Veterinary Care Assistant to join an established and growing team. You will be working across a progressive, multi-disciplinary referral hospital in Stanway alongside the first opinion practice, supporting patient and client care in a busy clinical setting.

The rota is a notable part of this opportunity. Rather than a traditional pattern with two days off each week, the four-week rota includes longer periods away from work, including a six-day consecutive break within each four-week pattern. Shift times include late day shifts starting from 10:30am and night shifts starting from 7:30pm, with approximately 1.5 to 2 weekends worked within each four-week period.

The role suits someone who enjoys practical, varied work and wants to develop within the veterinary sector. Full training is provided, and you will work closely with Veterinary Surgeons, Registered Veterinary Nurses and the wider hospital team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support client communication, appointment booking and patient admissions
• Assist Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses during consultations and procedures
• Handle and restrain patients calmly, safely and compassionately
• Monitor inpatients and help with their daily care
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across wards, kennels and clinical areas
• Support laboratory maintenance, cleaning, sterilising and equipment preparation
• Assist with stock control and general practice upkeep
• Keep clinical areas organised, clean and ready for the daily caseload
• Support efficient patient flow and the smooth running of hospital operations
• Help maintain a consistently high standard of patient and client care

Requirements

• Excellent communication and client care skills
• A genuine interest in animal care and welfare
• Eagerness to learn and develop within a veterinary environment
• Reliability, organisation and the ability to work effectively in a busy team
• Previous experience in a veterinary practice, animal care or a similar environment is desirable
• Qualifications within the animal care industry are desirable
• Full training will be provided for the right candidate

Benefits

• Salary of £26,500 to £28,500 per annum FTE, depending on relevant client care experience
• Flexible shift patterns
• Full-time position, with part-time considered if able to work weekends
• Six consecutive days off within each four-week rota
• 224 hours annual leave including bank holidays, increasing after number of years at the practice
• Pension scheme
• Colleague discount, including 20% discount at Pets at Home
• Full training and ongoing development support
• Opportunities to develop skills within a large, experienced veterinary team
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses
• Chance to be part of a growing, forward-thinking veterinary team

About the Practice

Vets for Pets Colchester Referral Hospital is a purpose-built practice in Colchester with advanced diagnostic, medical and surgical facilities. It provides high-level inpatient and outpatient care and works closely with its associated referral hospital in Stanway to offer continuity of care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Across the two Colchester facilities, the wider team includes 25 Veterinary Surgeons, 25 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 4 Student Veterinary Nurses, 10 Veterinary Care Assistants, 3 Practice Managers, 4 Hospital Operations Coordinators and 15 Client Care Advisors. The practice has experienced consistent growth over the past 20 years, with continued investment in facilities, services and people.