Veterinary Care Assistant

Kernow Vet Group; Brighton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary clinic in Brighton is seeking a compassionate veterinary care assistant to join their dedicated team. In this role, you'll support vet nurses and clients, ensuring exceptional animal care and efficient reception duties. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a passion for animal welfare, and a collaborative spirit. Enjoy a work-life balance with benefits including generous annual leave and professional development opportunities. Be part of a supportive environment committed to well-being and excellent client care.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Additional leave for birthday

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee well-being initiatives

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Experience working with animals is preferred but not essential.
• Flexibility and reliability are important qualities.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist vet nurses and vets during procedures and consultations.
• Support basic animal handling, monitoring, and feeding.
• Maintain accurate patient records and support stock control.
• Welcome clients and assist with reception duties.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team player

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Genuine passion for animal care

Job description

We are looking for a compassionate and proactive veterinary care assistant to join our dedicated team at Beech House Vets. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves animals and is keen to build a rewarding career. You’ll work closely with our nursing, veterinary, and support teams to provide exceptional care to our patients and their owners. This is a hands‑on role where no two days are the same, from supporting clinical procedures to welcoming clients at reception.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Nursing Support

• Assist vet nurses and vets during consultations, procedures, and inpatient care
• Support with basic animal handling, monitoring, feeding, grooming, and exercise
• Prepare equipment, treatment rooms, and wards for daily operations
• Maintain accurate patient records and assist with stock control

Client Care & Reception

• Welcome clients in a professional and friendly manner
• Support with reception duties, including answering phones, booking appointments, and taking payments
• Update client information and assist with communication between clinical teams and pet owners

Maintenance & Hygiene

• Ensure all areas are kept clean, organised, and compliant with health and safety standards
• Support with laundry, sterilisation of equipment, and general housekeeping duties

Why Join Us?

We consider team well‑being a priority and work together to create a good work‑life balance. This enables us to provide excellent and friendly care to our clients, many of whom have been with the practice for several decades.

We are a 5-minute walk from the train station and a 20-minute walk to central Brighton. The area is perfect if you enjoy a mix of vibrant town life with beautiful countryside and outdoor activities on your doorstep.

Our team consists of 2 Vets, 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses, and 1 Student Nurse. We also have ample support from our 4 Client Care team members. We have an exceptionally supportive team in place, and should you choose Beech House as your next workplace, your well-being and happiness are our top priority.

About You

Essential qualities include a genuine passion for animal care and welfare, the ability to work collaboratively as a positive, can‑do team player, and strong communication and people skills. You should be flexible, reliable, and able to remain calm under pressure, with a willingness to learn, take direction, and develop new skills.

Preferably, though not essential, experience working with animals, whether in a veterinary practice, a clinical or care environment, or within a customer‑facing role. An understanding of animal behaviour and handling is also beneficial. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with previous animal experience, those from healthcare or customer service, or anyone seeking a meaningful career change.

Your Shift Pattern

You will work 40 hours per week between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday. We are happy to discuss a 4‑ or 5‑day rota, with occasional cover required at New Priory Hospital in cases of sickness or annual leave.

In Addition to a Competitive Salary, You Will Benefit From:

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday, 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 well‑being
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway offering discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Discounted staff pet care