Vet care assistant

Vet care assistant

Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist with patient care, monitor vital signs, and support the clinical team.
  • Company: Join a busy small-animal practice in Manchester dedicated to gold-standard veterinary care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a flexible schedule, supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in pets' lives while working in a dynamic, compassionate environment.
  • Qualifications: Must have at least 1 year of VCA experience and strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Located in central Manchester, easily accessible by public transport.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Must have VCA experience.

Busy Small-Animal Practice – Manchester

Position: Full-Time VCA (4 days/week + 1 in 4 Saturdays)

Location: Manchester (easily accessible by public transport)

About Us

We are a high-volume, small-animal practice located in the heart of Manchester, committed to compassionate, gold-standard care. Our team-oriented culture and state-of-the-art facilities ensure both pets and their owners receive outstanding service from arrival to discharge.

Hours & Pattern

  • Regular Hours: 4 days per week (Monday–Friday)
  • Weekend Cover: One Saturday in every four (rotating rota)
  • Typical Shift: 8:30 am–6:00 pm (with 1-hour unpaid break)
  • Flexibility: Occasional late finishes or early starts by mutual agreement

Key Responsibilities

  • Clinical Support:
  • Prepare and restrain patients for examinations, diagnostics, and treatments
  • Monitor, record and report vital signs during anaesthesia and recovery
  • Administer medications and sub-cut injections under direction of RVN/veterinarian
  • Facility & Equipment Maintenance:
    • Clean, sterilise, and maintain surgical and diagnostic equipment
    • Ensure kennels, wards, and treatment areas are clean, stocked and secure
  • Client & Patient Care:
    • Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and provide post-op instructions
    • Weigh animals, record observations, and communicate findings to the clinical team
  • Team Support & Administration:
    • Restock clinical supplies and place orders as needed
    • Support reception team when needed (e.g. answering overflow calls, filing)
    • Participate in daily team huddles and contribute to continuous improvement

    Essential Criteria

    • Minimum 1 year's experience as a VCA (or similar role) in a veterinary practice
    • Good practical knowledge of handling small animals (cats, dogs, exotics an advantage)
    • Strong communication skills: clear, compassionate, and professional with clients
    • Ability to work calmly under pressure in a busy environment
    • Basic IT literacy and willingness to learn practice management software
    • Flexibility to cover one Saturday in four on a rotating rota

    Vet care assistant employer: Jurassic Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment

    Join our vibrant team at a leading small-animal practice in the heart of Manchester, where we prioritise compassionate care and teamwork. With state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive work culture, we offer excellent opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a flexible working pattern that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to gold-standard veterinary care ensures that you will be part of a rewarding environment dedicated to both animal welfare and client satisfaction.
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    Contact Detail:

    Jurassic Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Vet care assistant

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with small animals during any informal conversations or networking events. This can help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also passionate about animal care.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Familiarise yourself with the latest veterinary practices and technologies. Being knowledgeable about current trends can give you an edge in discussions with the team and show your commitment to continuous learning.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Engage with the practice's social media channels or community events. This demonstrates your interest in their work and helps you build rapport with potential colleagues before even stepping into the interview.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare thoughtful questions about the practice's approach to patient care and team dynamics. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their specific environment.

    We think you need these skills to ace Vet care assistant

    Veterinary Care Assistant Experience
    Animal Handling Skills
    Clinical Support Skills
    Monitoring Vital Signs
    Medication Administration
    Equipment Maintenance
    Client Communication Skills
    Team Collaboration
    Attention to Detail
    Ability to Work Under Pressure
    Basic IT Literacy
    Flexibility in Working Hours
    Compassionate Client Interaction
    Organisational Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your experience as a Veterinary Care Assistant or in a similar role. Detail specific tasks you've performed, such as patient care, administering medications, and handling small animals.

    Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, include examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients and team members in previous positions. Use clear and professional language throughout your application.

    Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the key responsibilities and essential criteria mentioned in the job description. Highlight your ability to work under pressure and your flexibility regarding working hours.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for animal care and your commitment to providing high-quality service. Mention why you want to work at this specific practice and how your values align with theirs.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Jurassic Recruitment - Veterinary Recruitment

    ✨Showcase Your VCA Experience

    Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Veterinary Care Assistant. Be prepared to discuss specific tasks you've handled, such as patient monitoring or administering medications, and how these experiences have prepared you for the role.

    ✨Demonstrate Compassionate Communication

    Since strong communication skills are essential, practice conveying information clearly and compassionately. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with clients or team members, especially in stressful situations.

    ✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios

    Expect to be asked about how you would handle certain clinical situations. Brush up on your knowledge of small animal care and think through scenarios involving patient admissions or post-op instructions to demonstrate your practical knowledge.

    ✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility

    This role requires working closely with a team and being flexible with your hours. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a busy environment and your willingness to adapt to changing schedules.

    J
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