At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality care to pets and support their owners in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a compassionate organisation dedicated to helping pets and their families.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in veterinary support and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27973 - 31927 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 18 June 2026
Department: Veterinary Services
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Hammersmith animal hospital
Reporting To: Nurse Manager
Compensation: £31,927 / year
Description: Contract for 9 months, full time 42 hours per week over 5 days. Salary: £27,973 plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance per annum.
Blue Cross animal hospitals and pet care clinics play a vital role in providing veterinary treatment to sick and injured pets, particularly when their owners are unable to afford private veterinary fees. Our veterinary care services are accessible to pets whose owners receive certain means‑tested benefits and reside within the catchment area of one of our animal hospitals or pet care clinics.
More about the role:
Our Animal Care Assistants have a key role in our fast‑paced hospitals, providing a high standard of care to the pets in our hospitals and supporting their owners. They deliver empathy and a non‑judgmental mindset in all situations. Daily duties include:
- Cleaning
- Feeding
- Exercising
- Grooming
- Laundry
- Administering treatments
- Dealing with clients at the reception
- Dispensing medication
- Taking payments
You will monitor patients’ health, well‑being and behaviour, especially those recovering from anaesthetic. Working closely with Vets and Nurses, you will assist with the preparation of patients and operating theatre for surgery.
Our Hammersmith hospital is a compact, quirky site with lots of character which first opened in 1922. Despite its size, it’s well equipped with digital and dental X‑ray, ultrasound and a mini‑lab for in‑house testing and microscopy. We have separate dog and cat wards, a dedicated euthanasia room, and a designated reception team so clinical staff can focus on patient care. We have one full‑time position working 42 hours per week with a one‑hour paid lunch break on a rota that includes weekends and public holidays at our 24‑hour animal hospital at Victoria. Due to the nature of the work, you may be required to exceed these hours if workload demands.
About you:
The ideal candidate has previous experience in a veterinary support role, such as a vet practice or kennel setting. Practical animal‑handling skills are essential, and experience in a busy reception role is desirable. Confident communication with a wide variety of people is required. You must be able to work in emotionally charged environments, remain calm under pressure and prioritise tasks as needed. Emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience are essential. You will have a genuine desire to improve the lives of pets and their clients and will be proactive in promoting Blue‑Cross aims.
Essential knowledge, skills and experience:
- Experience working or volunteering in a veterinary practice or similar role
- Experience within a reception or client care role
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- IT literacy with MS Office and web‑based databases and platforms
Additional preferences:
- Qualification in Animal Care or similar
- Ability to observe changes in animal health and wellbeing
- Capability to interact face‑to‑face with clients and visitors and communicate effectively with a range of people
Blue Cross benefits:
- Full‑time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife – 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
Animal Care Assistant (fixed term contract) - Hammersmith animal hospital employer: Blue Cross For Pets
Blue Cross animal hospitals offer a rewarding opportunity for Animal Care Assistants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners. Located in the vibrant Hammersmith area, our hospital boasts a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, with generous holiday allowances, professional development support, and a commitment to mental health resources. Join us in a role where your compassion and skills will be valued, and enjoy the unique character of our historic site while contributing to vital veterinary care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant (fixed term contract) - Hammersmith animal hospital
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Hammersmith animal hospital! Research their values and services so you can chat about them during your interview. Showing genuine interest in the place can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows you're proactive and keen to learn more.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with clients and pets, role-play common scenarios with friends or family. This will help you stay calm and confident when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant (fixed term contract) - Hammersmith animal hospital
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Animal Care Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in veterinary support or animal care, and don’t forget to mention your communication skills and ability to work under pressure!
Show Your Passion:We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about animal welfare. In your application, share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your desire to improve the lives of pets and their owners. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality, so don’t be afraid to let it show while keeping things professional!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Know Your Stuff About Animal Care
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of animal care practices. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and treatments that you might encounter in a veterinary setting. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since this role requires a lot of interaction with both pets and their owners, be prepared to discuss how you handle emotionally charged situations. Share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and support, as this is crucial in a veterinary environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, like dealing with a distressed pet owner or monitoring an animal post-surgery. Practising these responses can help you feel more at ease during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of cases the hospital handles, or opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
