At a Glance
- Tasks: Support animal care and welfare while maintaining a clean and safe environment.
- Company: Join a compassionate veterinary team dedicated to animal health and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days holiday, and special paid days off.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals and their owners every day.
- Qualifications: Must have a Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma and relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
In this role, you will support the hospital team with all aspects of day‑to‑day care for animals. Your responsibilities will include maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic environment, assisting with animal handling, working at reception when needed and providing hands‑on support to Veterinary Nurses and Surgeons. You will also communicate with clients about appropriate financial contributions, always with empathy and professionalism. The position is offered on a fixed‑term, 12‑month contract and may require full‑time or part‑time hours depending on the hospital’s needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Support animal care and welfare on a daily basis.
- Maintain cleanliness, safety and hygiene within the hospital.
- Assist with animal handling and reception duties.
- Work collaboratively with Veterinary Nurses and Surgeons.
- Communicate with clients about financial contributions to PDSA’s mission.
- Adapt to varied shift patterns and maintain a flexible schedule.
Qualifications and Experience
- Valid Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma (or equivalent qualification).
- Minimum of 12 months experience working within a veterinary practice.
- Strong customer service skills and a caring, practical approach.
- Strong organisational and reliability skills; able to work effectively as part of a supportive team.
- Age 18 or older.
- Highly self‑motivated and willing to learn, grow and contribute to the local community.
Commitments and Policies
We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion that reflects the communities we serve. We provide family‑friendly and inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, background checks, safeguard policies and a rigorous recruitment process to protect children, adults at risk and all colleagues. All hires undergo satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.
Benefits
- Flexible working options to support work‑life balance and individual circumstances.
- 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays.
- Three paid special days off: Volunteering Day, Celebration Day and Wellbeing Day annually.
- Generous pension options, starting at 5% and increasing to 10% from PDSA contributions.
- Life assurance providing four times your annual salary.
- AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts through our Fetch benefits platform.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance and access to staff veterinary services.
Veterinary Care Assistant in Basildon employer: Pdsa Pet Insurance
PDSA is an exceptional employer for Veterinary Care Assistants, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises animal welfare and community engagement. With flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, PDSA fosters professional growth and development while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners in your local community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Care Assistant in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow veterinary professionals on LinkedIn or local community groups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Veterinary Care Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on experience! Volunteer at local animal shelters or clinics to boost your skills and show potential employers your commitment to animal care. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people in the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to animal care and client communication. We suggest role-playing with a friend to build your confidence and ensure you can showcase your caring approach effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Care Assistant in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Veterinary Care Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially any hands-on animal care or customer service roles. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for animal care and why you want to join our team. Be genuine and let us know how you can contribute to our mission at PDSA.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma or equivalent qualifications. We love seeing candidates who are well-prepared and qualified for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pdsa Pet Insurance
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal care and welfare. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and terminology used in veterinary practices. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since you'll be communicating with clients about financial contributions, it's crucial to demonstrate your empathy and professionalism. Prepare examples of how you've handled sensitive situations in the past, especially when dealing with pet owners who may be anxious or upset.
✨Team Player Vibes
This role requires collaboration with Veterinary Nurses and Surgeons, so be ready to discuss your experience working in a team. Share specific instances where you supported colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment, highlighting your reliability and organisational skills.
✨Flexibility is Key
With varied shift patterns, it’s important to convey your adaptability. Be prepared to discuss your availability and any previous experiences where you successfully managed changing schedules. This will show that you're ready to meet the hospital's needs without hesitation.
