Veterinary Care Assistant in Hereford

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners. We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Veterinary Care Assistant to join our team at Hay Vets on a part‑time basis. Hay Vets is a friendly, well‑established practice with a reputation for delivering high‑quality, compassionate veterinary care. We pride ourselves on providing a personal, community‑focused service and building strong relationships with both our clients and their pets. Our team is supportive and welcoming, and we are committed to creating a positive working environment where everyone feels valued and able to develop.

Situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Hay‑on‑Wye is a unique and picturesque market town, famous for its independent spirit and strong sense of community. Known as the "Town of Books," it offers a charming working environment surrounded by stunning countryside, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy both rural life and a close‑knit community atmosphere.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting 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.

Working Pattern

Average 30 hours per week between the hours of 8:30am and 7:00pm, with 1 in 2 Saturday mornings from 8:30am to 1:00pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting veterinary surgeons and nurses with patient handling and restraint
• Preparing consulting rooms, theatre and wards
• Cleaning and maintaining clinical areas to high hygiene standards
• Monitoring and caring for inpatients under supervision
• Supporting with stock control and equipment maintenance
• Providing excellent customer service at reception, including handling enquiries and booking appointments
• Helping to create a calm, welcoming environment for clients and their pets

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of hands‑on animal care and front‑of‑house responsibilities.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are a reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to develop within a veterinary environment. You’ll bring:

• 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

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• 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 FTE
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.