At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with animal care, maintain hygiene, and support the veterinary team.
- Company: Join PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity dedicated to improving pet lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Apply soon; closing date may change if we find enough candidates!
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pet wellbeing while gaining valuable experience in veterinary practice.
- Qualifications: Must have a Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 diploma and be at least 18 years old.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 € per year.
Make a difference every day with PDSA
About Us
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.
About you
We’re looking for a Veterinary Care Assistant to join our friendly team at Sunderland. 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.
About the hospital
Sunderland 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.
Rewards, support and benefits
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.
To apply for this role, click Apply Now at the top of the page, create a candidate account and complete our simple application form.
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.
Veterinary Care Assistant in Sunderland employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer, dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners through a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will benefit from flexible working hours, opportunities for professional growth within the veterinary field, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in our mission to provide high-quality care while enjoying a rewarding career in a leading veterinary charity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Care Assistant in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the PDSA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to pet welfare and community service will help you align your answers during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience, even if it's voluntary. Whether it's at a local animal shelter or through pet-sitting, having practical experience will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to animal care.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Veterinary Care Assistants. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the application process, and may even refer you internally, which can significantly increase your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving animal care or customer service, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Care Assistant in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Veterinary Care Assistant. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications, particularly your Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 diploma or equivalent. Emphasise any customer service experience and your passion for animal care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying. Mention why you want to work with PDSA and how you can contribute to their mission of improving pets' lives.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure all information is accurate and presented professionally.
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with pets or volunteering in animal care, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the values of the organisation.
✨Highlight Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves providing high-quality customer service, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in customer-facing roles. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've handled difficult situations or provided exceptional service.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Abilities
The Veterinary Care Assistant position requires working closely with a clinical team. Be ready to talk about your experience working in teams, how you contribute to group dynamics, and any instances where you supported colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Having thoughtful questions prepared shows your interest in the position and the organisation. Ask about the day-to-day responsibilities, opportunities for professional development, or how the team fosters a supportive environment for its members.
