Veterinary Care Assistant

Veterinary Care Assistant (Day) – Referral Hospital

Vets for Pets Colchester Referral Hospital is seeking a motivated and reliable Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) to join our established referral clinical team in a day position. This role offers excellent professional development within the veterinary sector, including exposure that supports progression into veterinary nursing.

Working within a progressive, multi-disciplinary referral hospital, you will support advanced patient care and contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of a busy hospital environment.

Our purpose-built Referral Hospital in Colchester is equipped with advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical facilities and provides high-level inpatient and outpatient care. We work closely with our associated first-opinion practice to ensure seamless continuity of care.

Across our Colchester sites, our wider team includes:

• 22 Veterinary Surgeons
• 18 Registered Veterinary Nurses
• 5 Student Veterinary Nurses
• 10 Veterinary Care Assistants
• 3 Practice Managers
• 15 Client Care Advisors

As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will provide hands‑on support to the veterinary and nursing teams, ensuring high standards of patient care and hospital organisation throughout the working day.

• Client communication, appointment booking, and assisting with patient admissions
• Supporting veterinary surgeons and nurses during consultations and procedures
• Assisting with patient handling and restraint in a calm and compassionate manner
• Monitoring inpatients and supporting daily care routines
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of wards, kennels, and clinical areas
• Laboratory maintenance and equipment cleaning and sterilisation
• Stock control and general hospital upkeep
• Ensuring clinical areas are organised and prepared for daily caseloads
• Supporting efficient patient flow and hospital operations

We are seeking a proactive individual who enjoys working in a busy referral environment and takes pride in maintaining high standards.

• Dedication:
  Conscientious and reliable with a strong work ethic
• Teamwork:
  Collaborative approach within a multidisciplinary team
• Initiative:
  Confident taking responsibility for tasks and working independently when required
• Organisation:
  Able to prioritise workload effectively
• Passion:
  Genuine care for animals and excellent client service

• Excellent communication and client care skills
• Eagerness to learn and develop within the veterinary environment

• Qualifications within the Animal Care industry

• High standards of patient care and attention to detail
• Proactive and organized approach to work
• Commitment to exceptional animal welfare

• Full-time applicants (40 hours) or weekend positions available
• Day shifts only
• Flexible shift patterns available

Salary:
From £26,500 per annum (FTE), depending on experience.

Salary review expected after 12 months’ service.

• Competitive salary with structured performance reviews
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance (4x annual salary)
• 22 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Increasing to 26 days after 24 months’ service (based on 10-hour shifts)
• 20% colleague discount at Pets at Home, The Groom Room, and Vets4
  
  Pets
• Access to additional corporate benefits and wellbeing initiatives

• Exposure to a diverse and complex referral caseload
• Modern, well-equipped referral facilities
• Supportive clinical and nursing teams
• Collaborative, learning-focused hospital culture
• Excellent long-term career development opportunities

Individuals interested in developing their career within a referral hospital environment are encouraged to apply or arrange a confidential discussion.

• Email: re
• Online submission available

All enquiries and applications are treated confidentially and without obligation.

Location:

CO3 8PB

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities.

Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!