At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Animal Care Assistant to join our team at Chipping Norton Vets on a full-time permanent basis.
In our purpose-built, excellently equipped hospital on the edge of a lovely Cotswold market town.
Among our Vets are a Specialist in Zoo & Wildlife Medicine, Advanced Practitioners in Small Animal Medicine and ECC. Plus, we have regular visits from a referral dermatologist. We receive referrals nationally for exotic pets, radioiodine therapy of hyperthyroid cats and locally for outpatient CT scanning, and for some internal medicine and orthopaedic-surgery cases.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the clinical team to deliver high standards of patient and client care, while helping to ensure the practice environment runs smoothly and safely.
Working under the direction of a Veterinary Surgeon or Registered Veterinary Nurse, you'll support inpatient care, assist with patient handling and restraint, help maintain clinical areas and equipment, and contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for both patients and clients.
Working Pattern
40 hours per week on a varied rota with shifts ranging between the hours of 7am and 11pm, to include both weekend days.
Key Responsibilities
The role will include (but not limited to) the following tasks:
Assist the nursing team with the set up of surgical procedures
Helping to hold patients for the Vets/Nurses
Cleaning down clinical areas
Putting away the supplies order
Restocking
Cleaning & packaging sterile equipment and theatre attire
Laundry and organisation
Managing cats in our Radioactive Iodine Unit (Full training will be provided)
You will also be required to cover shifts both on reception and in our Boarding Cattery
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are a reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to develop within a veterinary environment. You’ll bring:
A caring, professional approach with a genuine interest in animal welfare
Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively in a busy environment
A proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and development
Experience of working with animals in either a clinical or non-clinical setting would be advantageous
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
Structured development opportunities, including access to VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
Supportive, collaborative teams focused on delivering high-quality patient and client care
A values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes, subject to eligibility criteria
Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
Pension scheme
Discounted veterinary care
Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
