At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide excellent care to dogs and support the veterinary team in a busy environment.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Dogs Trust, dedicated to rehoming dogs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a loving community that cares for dogs and helps them find homes.
- Qualifications: Reliability, flexibility, and a passion for animal care are key.
The predicted salary is between 15900 - 15900 € per year.
Application Deadline: 24 May 2026
Department: Rehoming
Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time
Location: Darlington
Compensation: £15,900 per year, plus benefits (£26,500 FTE)
Description
Are you an efficient, pro-active dog-lover who is passionate about ensuring dogs in our care receive excellent veterinary care? We’re looking for a Veterinary Assistant to assist in the efficient running of our veterinary suite at our rehoming centre. This is a part time role for 22.5hrs.
What does this role do?
- Provide excellent care to dogs staying in the veterinary suite, including cleaning, food preparation and monitoring recovery kennels.
- Support the Veterinary Nurse with the smooth running of the suite, from maintaining a clean clinical environment and scheduling appointments, to supporting with consultations and meetings with adopters.
- Transfer dogs to and from local veterinary practices for surgery.
- Support our teams in kennels occasionally.
Could this be you?
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to be reliable and flexible, with the ability to work on your own initiative or in a team to ensure that our dogs receive an excellent standard of care. You’ll also need excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and be able to empathise with colleagues and adopters, handling the potentially emotionally demanding elements of the role. While a qualification in animal care is desirable, we welcome applications from enthusiastic candidates who are passionate about our work and have a commitment to our aims and objectives.
What does this team do?
Our rehoming centres house thousands of dogs each year until they are able to find a loving new home, and the success of our centres wouldn't be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers; there is a real family-community within each of our centres. Come rain or shine, our team are out in all weathers to make sure the dogs have the best possible life. Dealing with thousands of visitors each month, our rehoming centres are the face of Dogs Trust and we pride ourselves on our staff providing the very best in customer service.
Interviews to be provisionally held 01.06.2026
Veterinary Assistant employer: Dogs Trust Company Limited
As a Veterinary Assistant at our Darlington rehoming centre, you will join a passionate team dedicated to providing exceptional care for dogs in need. We offer a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development in animal care. With competitive compensation and a commitment to employee well-being, we ensure that our staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! If you can, visit the rehoming centre before your interview. Chat with staff and volunteers to understand their day-to-day challenges and how you can contribute. It shows you're genuinely interested and helps you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for animal care during the interview. Share personal stories about your experiences with dogs or any relevant volunteer work. This will help us see your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to learn more about the team dynamics and the specific needs of the veterinary suite.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression and keep you fresh in our minds as we make our decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your love for dogs shine through in your application! Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal care and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Veterinary Assistant role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to teamwork, communication, and animal care.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:A personal touch goes a long way! Write a cover letter that reflects your personality and explains why you want to join our team at the rehoming centre. Be genuine and let us know what makes you a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dogs Trust Company Limited
✨Know Your Stuff About Dogs
Brush up on your knowledge of dog care and common veterinary practices. Being able to discuss specific breeds, health issues, and care routines will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with others, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team. Highlight your flexibility and reliability, as these traits are key to ensuring excellent care for the dogs.
✨Communicate with Empathy
Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you would handle emotionally charged situations, such as dealing with adopters or supporting colleagues. Empathy is crucial in this role, so think of examples that showcase your ability to connect with others.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of dogs you'll be working with, or how the centre measures success. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.