At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch care for pets and support their owners in a busy animal hospital.
- Company: Join the award-winning Blue Cross team in Merton, dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38-43 days holiday, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in veterinary support or a passion for animal care is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 26800 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
Department: Veterinary Services
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Merton animal hospital, London SW19 1BD
Reporting To: Deputy Nurse Manager
Compensation: £26,872 (plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance) per annum
Description Contract: Permanent, full time
Closing date: Sunday 30 November 2025
Interview date: Interviews will be arranged throughout the advertising period.
By joining our animal hospital in Merton as an Animal Care Assistant, you’re joining a team who won the first BVA Wellbeing award for being a great place to work! If you’re passionate about animal welfare, working with the public and are wanting to make a difference every day – this is the role for you!
More about the role:
Since June 1999, we have been a cornerstone of the Merton community, delivering veterinary services to approximately 6,000 unique pets every year. From routine procedures like neutering to intricate surgeries and advanced diagnostics, our hospital offers a comprehensive range of treatments. As an Animal Care Assistant, you have a key role in our fast‑paced hospital, providing a high standard of care to the pets and supporting their owners. You’ll do this by delivering the highest level of animal care and customer service with empathy and a non‑judgmental mindset in all situations.
Daily duties include:
- Feeding, exercising, grooming, laundry and administering treatment.
- Supporting front‑office responsibilities such as answering phones, using the computer, dispensing medication and taking payments.
- Processing and documenting all samples, running blood tests, staining and preparing microscope slides, performing urine testing, preparing samples for external analysis and maintaining accurate records of sample handling and reporting.
Your role requires close collaboration with vets, nurses, the wider team and members of the public. We offer a 42‑hour week (including weekends and public holidays) with a one‑hour paid lunch break. Work may exceed these hours as required by the workload.
About you:
The ideal candidate has previous experience in a veterinary support role (vet practice or kennel setting). Practical animal handling skills, communication skills and confidence in both animal‑facing and customer‑facing environments are essential, though not mandatory. Understanding of urinalysis and use of a centrifuge is advantageous. Excellent communication skills enable you to speak with senior vets, members of the public and your team. You will handle clients in distress, work in an emotionally challenging environment and maintain calm under pressure.
Knowledge, skills, and experience:
- Experience working or volunteering in a veterinary practice or similar role.
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- IT literate with MS Office and web‑based databases and platforms.
- Demonstrate understanding and application of Blue Cross values.
Although not essential, it would be great if you also had:
- Experience within a reception or client care role.
- Qualification in Animal Care or similar.
- The ability to observe changes in animal health and wellbeing.
- The ability to interact face‑to‑face with clients and visitors and communicate effectively with a range of people.
How to apply:
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits:
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. We provide a comprehensive benefits package:
- 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).
- 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.
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
Animal Care Assistant - Merton in City of London employer: Blue Cross For Pets
At Blue Cross, our Merton animal hospital is not just a workplace; it's a community dedicated to animal welfare and exceptional care. As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, with comprehensive benefits including generous holiday entitlement, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to mental health support. Join us in making a meaningful impact every day while being part of a team recognised for its outstanding workplace environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant - Merton in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Merton animal hospital and its staff. Mentioning specific team members or initiatives during your chat can show you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for animal welfare! When you’re in the interview, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your love for animals. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for their caring environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on common questions related to animal care and customer service. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant - Merton in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare:When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any experiences you've had with pets or in animal care, as this will show us that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Animal Care Assistant position. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, so we can see why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Know Your Stuff About Animal Care
Brush up on your knowledge of animal welfare and the specific duties of an Animal Care Assistant. Be ready to discuss your previous experience in veterinary support roles, as well as any practical skills you have in animal handling or lab work.
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
Since you'll be dealing with both animals and their owners, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult situations or communicated with clients in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Hospital's Values
Research the Blue Cross values and think about how they align with your own beliefs and experiences. Be prepared to discuss how you can embody these values in your role as an Animal Care Assistant.
✨Practice Common Interview Questions
Anticipate questions related to your experience, teamwork, and how you handle stress in a fast-paced environment. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
