Veterinary Care Assistant

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 on the lookout for a passionate Veterinary Care Assistant to join our dedicated team at the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

Working hours and location

• Working hours: 24‑hour rotating shift basis including evenings and weekends.
• On‑site: your base will be at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
• The shifts typically include 8 am‑4 pm, 2 pm‑10 pm, and overnight 10 pm‑8 am.

Recruitment journey – key dates

• Application
• Panel Interview & Site Visit – w/c 16 March

You’ll be asked a few targeted questions designed to help us understand your experience, unique skills, and future potential. This is your first chance to stand out!

In the panel interview, you’ll meet the Hiring Manager and another member of the team for a competency‑based interview and a tour of the site. This stage is designed to:

• Explore the role: Get a feel for the team culture and the real‑world impact you’ll be making.
• Demonstrate your strengths: Show us how you work in a supportive, relaxed environment.

Your day will include

• You’ll start your day cleaning by the enclosures of our intakes, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species, as well as feeding, watering, grooming and exercising them.
• You’ll ensure the highest standards of welfare, and will monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health.
• You will also administer medication or treatment prescribed by a Vet and implement behaviour modification programmes with guidance from our Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team.

No two days are the same; it’s hands‑on, rewarding and sometimes tough, but always worth it.

Essential

• 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
• Full manual driving licence (travelling off‑site when needed)

Desirable

• An NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care or equivalent e.g. VCA, ANA.

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.

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!

We’re here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.