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- Tasks: Care for animals, maintain hygiene, assist vets, and provide enrichment activities.
- Company: Join a leading veterinary school with a compassionate team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, staff discounts, and gym access.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals, teamwork skills, and a full driving licence required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and additional shifts.
The predicted salary is between 20874 - 22780 £ per year.
Grade UE04: £26,093- £28,778 pro rata per annum (based on a 35 hour week)
CMVM- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Part Time: 8 hours per week. 7am-4pm shift time working both Saturday and Sunday every other week (TBC with successful candidate)
Open Ended: Permanent Contract
The Opportunity
Are you passionate about animal care and ready to make a real difference? This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a leading veterinary and teaching hospital, where your work directly supports the health and wellbeing of a wide range of animals. We’re proud of our dynamic and compassionate team of vets, nurses, and assistants—all united by a shared commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. Now, we’re looking for someone equally dedicated to join our Animal Care Team.
Role
This is a hands-on, fast-paced position that plays a vital role in the care of our weekend hospitalised patients. You’ll be involved in a variety of essential tasks, including:
- Cleaning and maintaining kennels, wards and clinical areas to the highest hygiene standards
- Supporting hospital’s infection control protocols
- Feeding and grooming inpatients
- Walking dogs and providing enrichment
- Assisting vets and nurses with procedures involving dogs, cats, and exotic species
- Managing laundry and general patient care duties
Training & Support
We offer a comprehensive 6–8 week training programme to help you settle into the role. You’ll normally shadow our friendly and experienced team during standard daytime hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm) to build your confidence and skills. Any hours worked beyond your contracted time during training will be paid as overtime.
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
- Experience working with animals in a veterinary setting is essential.
- Ability to work alone as well as part of a team is essential.
- Excellent communication skills are essential to this role.
- Full, clean driving licence is essential.
Application Information
Please ensure you include the following documents in your application: CV, Cover letter.
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
- Staff discount for pet treatment.
- Amazing onsite perks:
- Staff discount for on-site gym and exercises classes
- Free car parking with electric car charging points
- Two on site canteens.
- Cycle to work scheme, on-site bike lockers and showers available.
- Additional shift cover opportunities are available, accruing paid overtime for additional hours worked.
- Holiday entitlement of 36 days and 4 days public holiday per annum for full time staff (pro rata).
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives.
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. They will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 12 December 2025. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews dates to be confirmed.
About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About The Team: The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to over 800 staff and a thriving student community.
The School comprises the Roslin Institute, three veterinary hospitals, a pathology unit, innovation centre and a range of research centres and services. We represent one of the largest concentrations of animal science expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Education: The School is widely accredited, enabling our graduates to practise across the globe. We are ranked among the best vet schools in the UK and internationally, evidencing our leadership in veterinary education, research and clinical practice.
Research Impact: In a joint submission to the latest UK Research Excellence Framework exercise, research at the School and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) ranked number one in the UK for agriculture, food and veterinary sciences by combining ratings for each institution. The research environment was rated 100 per cent world leading or internationally excellent, as was the impact of our research on society.
Community: The School holds Athena SWAN Silver, and the Roslin Institute Gold. The campus is home to a thriving and diverse community of staff and students, with access to facilities including allotments, cycle facilities, fitness trails, restaurants and a gym.
Animal Care Assistant - Weekend in Edinburgh employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant - Weekend in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Animal Care Team at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Understanding their values and mission can help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their dynamic group.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to animal care and your experience. Think about specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills and dedication. We want to hear your passion for animal welfare!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant certifications or training, make sure to mention them during your interview. This is your chance to demonstrate how your background aligns with the essential tasks of the role, like cleaning, feeding, and assisting with procedures.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant - Weekend in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Care: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any relevant experiences you've had in animal care, whether it's volunteering or previous jobs. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about joining our team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in a veterinary setting and any specific skills that match the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the position.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward applications! Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your documents and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of different animal species, especially those you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with common behaviours, care needs, and any specific health issues related to dogs, cats, and exotic animals. This will show your passion and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is essential in this role, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous jobs or volunteer work, especially in a veterinary or animal care setting. Highlighting your communication skills will also go a long way!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle specific situations involving animal care. Think through scenarios like dealing with an anxious dog or managing hygiene in the kennels. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training programme, the team dynamics, or the types of animals you’ll be caring for. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
