At a Glance
- Tasks: Support veterinary care and provide excellent customer service in a busy environment.
- Company: Join PDSA, a century-old charity dedicated to helping pets and their owners.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days holiday, and generous pension options.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners every day.
- Qualifications: Must have a Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 diploma and be passionate about animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ 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 have 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 at Cardiff. 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.
You’ll have a Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 diploma (or equivalent) and be highly self-motivated, with good customer service skills and a caring, practical approach. You’ll be at least 18 years old due to the varied shift pattern, and you’ll be organised, reliable and happy to work 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.
This role includes day and night shifts.
Cardiff 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.
As well as a rewarding role and a positive, people-focused culture, we also offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- 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.
- 15% 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.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss via email or telephone reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the recruitment process.
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. To support this commitment, our recruitment & selection processes are robust and rigorous. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.
Continental Veterinary Care Assistant in Cardiff employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners, particularly in Cardiff. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and collaboration. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values diversity and inclusion while providing vital veterinary care to those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Continental Veterinary Care Assistant in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the PDSA mission inside out! When you’re chatting with the team, show your passion for animal welfare and how you can contribute to their goals. It’s all about connecting your values with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to talk to clients about financial contributions with empathy. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with these conversations before the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your hands-on experience! Whether it’s through volunteering or previous roles, have examples ready that highlight your practical skills in animal care and customer service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the PDSA team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Continental Veterinary Care Assistant in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare:When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any experiences you've had with pets or in veterinary settings to show us how committed you are to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team at PDSA, so be specific about your relevant qualifications!
Be Professional Yet Approachable:While we love a friendly vibe, it's important to maintain professionalism in your written application. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, but don’t hesitate to let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy – just click 'Apply Now', create an account, and fill out the application form. We can’t wait to hear from you and see how you can help us support pets and their owners!
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of veterinary care and animal welfare. Familiarise yourself with PDSA's mission and values, as well as the specific services they offer. This will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since you'll be dealing with clients who may be in tough situations, it's crucial to demonstrate your empathy and understanding during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've handled sensitive situations in the past, especially when discussing financial contributions or caring for distressed pets.
✨Team Player Vibes
PDSA values collaboration, so be ready to discuss your experience working in teams. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team effort, highlighting your ability to support colleagues and maintain a positive work environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the hospital's approach to animal care, opportunities for professional development, or how they foster a supportive team culture. It shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.