At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional care to animals and support our dedicated veterinary team.
- Company: Join Animed Veterinary Hospital, a passionate team with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, training opportunities, and staff pet care discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career progression and support for your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your career in veterinary care.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, empathy, and experience in animal care are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Animed (Shedfield)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours per week, including weekend and bank holiday shifts)
Practice Type: First Opinion
About the practice
Animed Veterinary Hospital is a small animal practice with a passionate team of vets, nurses, PCA and receptionists. It has state‑of‑the‑art facilities such as an orthopaedic theatre, two soft‑tissue theatres with laparoscopic equipment, a double dental suite, imaging suite and separate wards for dogs, cats and exotic pets.
About the role
The Veterinary Care Assistant role is foundational to providing outstanding patient care. As a VCA you will support RVNs and Vets to deliver outstanding care to our patients.
Duties:
- Nursing care to patients.
- Assisting Vets and Nurses in restraining animals for treatment.
- Cleaning, walking and feeding of patients.
- Preparation of emergency and operating facilities.
- General cleaning and maintenance duties.
- Running internal lab samples.
- Answering emergency calls.
- Covering the receptionist desk, including answering queries, booking appointments and taking payments.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- An excellent communicator with strong empathy.
- Excellent customer service skills and experience dealing with members of the public.
- Experience in animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, medicating and handling, and a high level of understanding of satisfying the welfare needs of animals.
- Resilience with the ability to cope with potentially distressing and emotional situations.
- Positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills.
- Experience caring for animals in a veterinary environment would be desirable.
Benefits:
- Salary in line with the National Minimum Wage.
- RCVS fees paid in full.
- Generous CPD allowance, Knowledge Hub access, BSAVA library and funded advanced training opportunities.
- Excellent Nursing Career Pathway.
- Up to 33 days holiday (with the option to buy/sell).
- Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies.
- Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food and medications.
We are unable to accept applications from candidates without the Right to Work in the UK as we cannot provide visa sponsorship, due to our clinical support roles not meeting the criteria set by the Home Office.
Veterinary Care Assistant in Southampton employer: Southdown Veterinary Group
Animed Veterinary Hospital is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and passionate work environment for Veterinary Care Assistants. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to employee growth through generous CPD allowances and advanced training opportunities, staff can thrive in their careers while enjoying benefits like up to 33 days of holiday and significant discounts on pet care services. Located in Shedfield, the practice fosters a culture of teamwork and empathy, making it a rewarding place for those dedicated to animal welfare.
Contact Details:
Southdown Veterinary Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Care Assistant in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the practice! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Animed. Familiarise yourself with their facilities and values. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with both the team and pet owners. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your empathy! In your interview, share examples of how you've handled emotional situations in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to cope with the challenges of the role and connect with pet owners.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits for a Veterinary Care Assistant.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Care Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Care:When writing your application, let us see your love for animals shine through! Share any experiences you've had in animal welfare or veterinary settings, and how they’ve shaped your desire to be a Veterinary Care Assistant.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight relevant skills like communication, teamwork, and empathy, as these are key for us at Animed. We want to know why you’re the perfect fit for our passionate team!
Be Honest About Your Experience:Don’t worry if you don’t have extensive experience in a veterinary environment. Just be honest about what you do have! If you’ve cared for pets or volunteered at shelters, include that. We value genuine passion and willingness to learn.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown Veterinary Group
✨Know Your Stuff About Animal Care
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal welfare and care practices. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and terminology used in veterinary settings, as this will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with both the team and pet owners. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and empathetically, especially when discussing sensitive topics related to animal health.
✨Prepare for Emotional Situations
The role can be emotionally challenging, so think about how you would handle distressing situations. Be ready to discuss your resilience and any past experiences that demonstrate your ability to cope under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Teamwork is crucial in a veterinary practice. Be prepared to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before, highlighting your positive attitude and willingness to support your colleagues in providing excellent patient care.
