Animal Care Assistant

Kernow Vet Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Kilwinning is seeking an enthusiastic Animal Care Assistant for a part-time role covering maternity leave for 12 months. The position involves general cleaning, managing reception tasks, providing care to animals, and assisting veterinary staff. Candidates should have experience with animals and strong communication skills. Additional benefits include enhanced family-friendly policies and a cycle to work scheme.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave FTE

Additional leave for birthday

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Learning development opportunities

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a veterinary practice is highly desirable.
• Strong willingness to learn and work in a busy team.
• A valid driving license is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage queries, book appointments, and process payments.
• Provide nursing care to patients under direction.
• Assist Vets and Nurses with animal restraint during treatments.
• General cleaning and housekeeping tasks throughout the building.

Skills

Experience with animals

Strong communication skills

Excellent customer service

Organizational skills

Job description

Animal Care Assistant (Part-Time/Mat Leave)

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual with a genuine love for animal care and welfare. The ideal candidate should thrive in a busy team environment and be confident working independently when needed. Previous experience in a veterinary practice (paid or voluntary) is highly desirable, along with a strong willingness to learn.

About the role

The role will involve:

• General cleaning and housekeeping tasks throughout the building in both clinical and non-clinical areas.
• Covering the receptionist desk, managing queries, booking appointments, and processing payments.
• Providing nursing care to patients under direction.
• Assisting Vets and Nurses with animal restraint during treatments.
• Cleaning, walking, and feeding patients.
• Preparing treatment areas.
• Order unpacking, and stock rotation.
• Running internal lab samples.

This is a part-time role covering maternity leave for a period of 12 months. You will be working 24 hours over 3 days per week, 8 hours per day.

Want to know more about us?

Our four clinics—based in Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock, and West Kilbride—are situated along Ayrshire’s stunning west coast, offering a mix of beautiful countryside, scenic beaches, and easy access to the vibrant city life of Glasgow. We are a well-established, client-focused practice with a dedicated team of 10 Vets, 9 RVNs, 2 SVNs, 3 ACAs, and a welcoming reception and support team.

What we’re looking for in our Animal Care Assistant

• Experience with animals or in healthcare would be an added advantage.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to show empathy.
• Excellent customer service experience, with a professional approach to dealing with the public.
• A valid driving license, as travel between our 4 sites is required.
• A positive attitude and the ability to work well within a team.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage your workload efficiently.
• Previous experience in a veterinary environment is desirable.

In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from:

• 6.6Weeks annual leaveFTE
• Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be added to your holiday allowance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
• Non-accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
• Discounted staff pet care

17-19 Byres Road, Kilwinning, KA13 6JY, United Kingdom