At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch care for pets and support their owners in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a compassionate animal hospital dedicated to helping pets in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, health support, and a pension scheme with enhanced contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners every day.
- 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: Fixed Term Contract for 9 months, full time 42 hours per week over 5 days
Salary: £27,973 plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance per annum
Location: Hammersmith animal hospital, London W6 0RQ
Closing date: Thursday 18 June 2026
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 in London employer: Blue Cross For Pets
Blue Cross animal hospitals offer a rewarding opportunity for Animal Care Assistants to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners in a supportive and compassionate environment. Located in the vibrant Hammersmith area, our hospital is well-equipped and fosters a culture of teamwork and professional growth, with extensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, health support programmes, and opportunities for continuing professional development. Join us in our mission to provide accessible veterinary care while enjoying a fulfilling career that values empathy and resilience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant (fixed term contract) - Hammersmith animal hospital in London
✨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 their mission will definitely make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with clients and pets, being able to express empathy and clarity is key. Try role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with potential scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff at Blue Cross. They can give you insider tips on what it’s like to work there and what the hiring managers are really looking for. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant (fixed term contract) - Hammersmith animal hospital in London
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 empathy and communication skills!
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine love for animals in your application. Share any personal experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to improving the lives of pets and their owners.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of animal care and the specific duties of an Animal Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with common procedures, animal behaviour, and the types of treatments you might assist with. This will show your passion and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since this role involves working closely with pets and their owners, be prepared to demonstrate your empathy during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve shown compassion in challenging situations, whether with animals or clients.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Think about how you would explain complex information to pet owners who may be anxious or upset. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will help you stand out during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle stressful situations. Prepare by thinking through how you would respond to various challenges, such as dealing with a distressed pet owner or managing multiple tasks in a busy environment. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and resilience.
