At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with animal care, medication administration, and surgical preparations in a dynamic veterinary environment.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a leading charity dedicated to animal welfare and kindness.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for skill development and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals while working in a rewarding and collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in veterinary care and good communication skills are essential; NVQ Level 2 is desirable.
- Other info: This role requires a DBS check and legal right to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
A bit about us
Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.
We\’re looking for a Veterinary Care Assistant to join our Veterinary team at our Greater Manchester Animal Hospital on a full-time, permanent basis, reporting into one of our Nursing Team Leaders.
- Working hours : 35 hours on a 24 hour rotating shift basis including evenings and weekends.
- On-site : Your base will be at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital
Are you ready to be part of our journey and make a difference?
What a day might look like for you
We\’ve added a short summary of what a typical day might look like, for a full insight please refer to the attached job description.
Our fabulous Veterinary Care Assistants are integral to the smooth running of the hospital.
You’ll start the day with a given area and patients to care for. These may have complex needs, or be more straightforward. You will be asked to keep them clean and cared for, give medications, update records and be alert to concerns. Or, you might be assisting with surgical cases in our operating theatre, helping prepare animals for surgery or ensure instruments are prepared for use.
No two days are the same and new, vulnerable animals are brought in, and moved along on their journey from rescue to rehome every day, so having great communications skills helps liaise with our other front line colleagues. It can be emotionally tough at times, but the rewards of successful outcomes and knowing you are making a difference are great.
You will be part of a big team with lots of opportunities to develop your skills in animal care.
Veterinary Care Assistants are proactive and collaborative to ensure high standards of animal welfare and biosecurity on a 24hr rota.
What you\’ll bring :
Do you think this sounds interesting? We think this is a great role and to add value we are seeking a match of these skills, but don\’t worry if you don\’t tick every box, we\’d still love to hear from you.
- Previous experience of veterinary care work
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to demonstrate teamwork with veterinary animal centre and Inspectorate colleagues
- Self-motivation and an ability to manage your own time
- An NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care or equivalent e.g. VCA, ANA is desirable.
Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK – We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA
Final note from us & good luck with your application!
Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received. This can occasionally result in positions closing earlier than advertised. Therefore, we strongly recommend submitting applications early. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.
We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible
We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed to our mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications – in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities – as these candidates are currently under‑represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family!
Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect
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Veterinary Care Assistant employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your passion for animal care with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience in a veterinary setting, if you haven't already. Volunteering at local animal shelters or clinics can provide you with practical skills and demonstrate your dedication to animal care.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the veterinary field. Attend local veterinary events or join online forums to connect with others who can offer insights or even referrals for the Veterinary Care Assistant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about scenarios where you've demonstrated teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in animal care. Being ready with specific examples will showcase your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Veterinary Care Assistant. Highlight any specific skills or experiences you have that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in veterinary care. Emphasise your communication skills, teamwork, and any qualifications like an NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and your motivation to work with the RSPCA. Mention specific examples of your experience and how it relates to the job.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and your commitment to their welfare. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication, whether it's volunteering at shelters or caring for pets.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a veterinary team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about how you would handle various scenarios involving animal care, such as dealing with an emergency or managing a difficult case.
✨Highlight Relevant Qualifications
If you have an NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care or equivalent qualifications, make sure to mention them. Even if you don't meet every criterion, showcasing your relevant skills and willingness to learn can make a positive impression.