At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the clinical team in delivering top-notch care for horses and maintain a smooth practice environment.
- Company: Join a busy equine referral hospital with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks of annual leave, enhanced family policies, and employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Full training provided with clear pathways to advance into Student Veterinary Nurse roles.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while gaining valuable experience in veterinary care.
- Qualifications: Must have 5 GCSEs including maths, English, and science, plus a UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 25865 - 25865 € per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, team‑oriented Veterinary Care Assistant to join our team at Donnington Grove on a full‑time basis. We are a busy equine referral hospital based in Newbury, West Berkshire, and are looking to expand our team. The ideal applicant will have experience and confidence working with a range of horses, including racehorses, foals and competition horses.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will support the clinical team to deliver high standards of patient and client care while helping to ensure the practice environment runs smoothly and safely. Working under the direction of a veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurse, you’ll support inpatient care, assist with patient handling and restraint, help maintain clinical areas and equipment, and contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for both patients and clients. This full‑time position involves supporting the team of veterinary surgeons in the hospital and out on the road 24/7/365, providing routine and emergency care. The role includes shift work with nights and weekends.
General Responsibilities
- Care of inpatients
- Performing clinical checks
- Wound care
- Assisting in theatre
- Admitting and discharging patients
- Helping to acquire diagnostic images both in the hospital and on the road
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
- A caring, professional approach with a genuine interest in animal welfare
- Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively in a busy environment
- A proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and development
- Experience of working with animals in either a clinical or non‑clinical setting would be advantageous
- The applicant must hold a Grade 4‑9 or A*–C in 5 GCSEs, including maths, English and science, and have a UK driving licence.
Full training will be provided, aiming to study for and achieve a Level 3 Qualification in Equine Veterinary Nursing.
How We’ll Support You
- Structured development opportunities, including access to VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
- Supportive, collaborative teams focused on delivering high‑quality patient and client care
- A values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks’ annual leave plus your birthday off
- Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Employee wellbeing initiatives, such as the Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Pension scheme
- Discounted veterinary care
- Voluntary benefits, including a Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
Salary: £25,865.11 per annum.
Equine Veterinary Care Assistant employer: IVC Evidensia
At Donnington Grove, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for our Veterinary Care Assistants. Located in the picturesque Newbury, West Berkshire, we provide structured development opportunities, including access to VCA development programmes and clear career pathways into Student Veterinary Nurse roles. With generous benefits such as 6.6 weeks’ annual leave, enhanced family-friendly policies, and a focus on employee wellbeing, we are committed to fostering a culture of care and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Equine Veterinary Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the practice and its staff. This will help you connect with them during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, share specific examples of your experience with horses, especially if you've worked with racehorses or foals. This will demonstrate your confidence and make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! During the interview, ask questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows that you're not just there to answer questions but are also keen to learn and contribute to the practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows that you’re serious about wanting to be part of our team at Donnington Grove.
We think you need these skills to ace Equine Veterinary Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals:When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any experiences you've had with horses or other animals, and explain why you're excited about the role at our equine referral hospital.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and support our mission of high-quality patient care.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at IVC Evidensia
✨Know Your Equine Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of equine care and handling. Be prepared to discuss your experience with different types of horses, such as racehorses and foals, as this will show your understanding of the role and your passion for animal welfare.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a clinical team, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, especially in busy environments, to demonstrate that you can contribute positively to the team at Donnington Grove.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about specific situations you might encounter in the role. Think about how you would handle patient care, assist in theatre, or manage tasks during busy shifts. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training opportunities available or how the team supports each other during challenging times. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
