At a Glance
- Tasks: Support veterinary care and provide excellent customer service to pet owners.
- Company: Join PDSA, a leading charity dedicated to helping pets in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days holiday, and generous pension options.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a modern, well-equipped hospital.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners every day.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma and have relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 25000 £ per year.
Make a difference every day with PDSA.
Join us to help keep even more people and pets together when times are tough. For over a century, PDSA has provided vital veterinary care for the pets of people in financial hardship. We're now on a journey to expand our reach to support even more people and their beloved pets. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need passionate and driven individuals who are ready to embrace change and help shape a future‑focused PDSA.
Together, we'll build a stronger organisation to ensure our services help those who need us most for the next hundred years. If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of a team that's creating positive change, we want you to join us. Let's build a brighter future for pets and their owners, together.
We're looking for a Veterinary Care Assistant to join our friendly team in Belfast on a 12-month maternity cover contract. You’ll be committed to providing a high standard of customer service and clinical care, promoting pet wellbeing and supporting the wider clinical team. You’ll enjoy working in a busy, purpose‑led environment where you can make a real difference to pets and owners who really need our help.
In this role, you’ll support the hospital team in all aspects of day‑to‑day care. You’ll help maintain a clean, safe and hygienic environment at all times, assist with animal handling, work on reception when needed and provide hands‑on support to our Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons. You’ll also be comfortable talking to clients about appropriate financial contributions, always with empathy and professionalism.
Depending on the needs of the hospital, you may work full‑time or part‑time hours, and this role offers an excellent starting point if you’re looking to build a career within veterinary practice. Applicants must hold a Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 Diploma (or equivalent qualification) and have experience working within a veterinary practice. You will be highly self‑motivated, with strong customer service skills and a caring, practical approach. Due to the varied shift pattern, applicants must be aged 18 or over.
We are looking for someone who is organised, reliable and able to work effectively as part of a supportive team. Above all, you’ll be passionate about animal welfare and keen to learn, grow and contribute to the valuable work PDSA does in the local community.
Belfast is a highly collaborative, effective hospital, a great place for teamwork, case discussion and shared learning. Our teams have varied clinical interests, giving you access to a wide pool of knowledge and experience when discussing cases and treatment plans. Our Pet Hospitals are modern and well‑equipped and include separate dog and cat kennelling facilities, in‑house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases and extensive orthopaedic equipment.
We’re really passionate about being a great place to work, somewhere people feel proud of what they do, connected to a meaningful purpose, and able to make a genuine difference every day. Our teams are collaborative and supportive, and we encourage everyone to bring their ideas, individuality and passion for pets to work with them.
- Flexible working options to support your 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, with PDSA contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
- Life assurance providing four times your annual salary for added peace of mind.
- AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme, with 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Retail, holiday and lifestyle discounts available through our staff Fetch benefits platform.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to support you and your family.
- 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.
PDSA is committed to embedding a culture of diversity and inclusion within our teams that reflect the communities we serve. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.
We offer a range of family‑friendly, inclusive employment policies and opportunities for flexible working arrangements to support team members from different backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.
Veterinary Care Assistant in Belfast employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners, particularly in times of financial hardship. Our Belfast hospital fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, offering flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee wellbeing and growth. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values diversity, encourages personal development, and provides the opportunity to make a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Care Assistant in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Veterinary Care Assistant at PDSA.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from PDSA!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Veterinary Care Assistant.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like PDSA.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Care Assistant in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Veterinary Care Assistant at PDSA, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Veterinary Care Assistant at PDSA. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like PDSA will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
