At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pets' wellbeing and assist the clinical team in a vibrant hospital environment.
- Company: Join PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity dedicated to improving pet lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, inclusive policies, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Kickstart your veterinary career while making a real difference in pets' lives.
- Qualifications: Must have a Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 diploma and be at least 18 years old.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ 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.
About Us
We’renow 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 Bradford. 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.
Work pattern & rota
We recognise the importance of work–life balance and have a rota designed to support it:
- 2 positions available
- Full‑time position, working 37.5 hours per week, permanent
- Full‑time position, working 37.5 hours per week, temporary contract for 6 months covering maternity
- Shifts are operated on a rolling rota, Monday to Friday, covering the following hours:
- 7:00 am – 3:15 pm
- 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
- 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
- There is also some out‑of‑hours weekend working required, approximately 1 in every 8 weekends.
About the hospital
Bradford 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, where 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.
- 10% discount on PDSA Pet Insurance plus access to staff veterinary services.
Diversity and inclusion
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 Bradford employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer, dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners through a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in Bradford, our Veterinary Care Assistants play a vital role in delivering high-quality care while benefiting from flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth within the UK's leading veterinary charity. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values diversity and strives to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Care Assistant in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the PDSA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to improving pets' lives will help you align your passion for animal care with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience in a veterinary setting, even if it's voluntary. This will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your dedication to the role and your ability to work in a clinical environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current Veterinary Care Assistants or staff at PDSA. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the work culture, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios involving pet care and customer service. Being ready with examples will show your problem-solving skills and your ability to contribute positively to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Care Assistant in Bradford
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 enthusiasm for the position and the organisation. Mention specific reasons why you want to work at PDSA and how you can contribute to their mission of improving pets' lives.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at PDSA
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
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 Relevant Qualifications
Since a Veterinary Care Assistant Level 2 diploma is required, be prepared to discuss your qualifications in detail. Explain how your training has equipped you with the skills necessary for the role, particularly in customer service and clinical care.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle stressful situations. Think of examples where you've successfully managed difficult scenarios, especially those involving animal care or customer interactions.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
The role involves working closely with veterinary nurses and surgeons, so be ready to discuss your experience in team settings. Highlight instances where you've collaborated effectively with others to achieve a common goal, particularly in a healthcare or animal care context.
