Vet care assistant

Must have Vca experience Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) Busy Small‑Animal Practice – Manchester Position: Full‑Time VCA (4 days/week + 1 in 4 Saturdays) Location: Manchester (easily accessible by public transport) About Us We are a high‐volume, small‑animal practice located in the heart of Manchester, committed to compassionate, gold‐standard care. Our team‑oriented culture and state‑of‑the‑art facilities ensure both pets and their owners receive outstanding service from arrival to discharge. Hours & Pattern * Regular Hours: 4 days per week (Monday–Friday) * Weekend Cover: One Saturday in every four (rotating rota) * Typical Shift: 8:30 am–6:00 pm (with 1‑hour unpaid break) * Flexibility: Occasional late finishes or early starts by mutual agreement Key Responsibilities * Clinical Support: * Prepare and restrain patients for examinations, diagnostics, and treatments * Monitor, record and report vital signs during anesthesia and recovery * Administer medications and sub‑cut injections under direction of RVN/veterinarian * Facility & Equipment Maintenance: * Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical and diagnostic equipment * Ensure kennels, wards, and treatment areas are clean, stocked and secure * Client & Patient Care: * Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and provide post‑op instructions * Weigh animals, record observations, and communicate findings to the clinical team * Team Support & Administration: * Restock clinical supplies and place orders as needed * Support reception team when needed (e.g. answering overflow calls, filing) * Participate in daily team huddles and contribute to continuous improvement Essential Criteria * Minimum 1 year’s experience as a VCA (or similar role) in a veterinary practice * Good practical knowledge of handling small animals (cats, dogs, exotics an advantage) * Strong communication skills: clear, compassionate, and professional with clients * Ability to work calmly under pressure in a busy environment * Basic IT literacy and willingness to learn practice management software * Flexibility to cover one Saturday in four on a rotating rota