Veterinary Care Assistant (RVN Pathway)

Kernow Vet Group; Newport; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable veterinary practice in Newport is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Care Assistant. In this role, you will support clinical teams while training to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. You will maintain high standards of animal welfare and assist in the smooth operations of the practice. This fixed-term contract offers extensive training and benefits, including annual leave and employee wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Birthday leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Passion for animal care and veterinary services.
• Ability to provide support to clinical teams.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Providing outstanding support to veterinarians and nurses.
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment.
• Ensuring client satisfaction and exceptional care standards.

Job description

Summerhill Vets, Newport, Newport, Wales

Are you passionate about animal care and looking to take the next step in your veterinary career?

We’re offering an exciting opportunity for a dedicated Veterinary Care Assistant to join our team and train to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse through a government-funded college programme.

In this vital role, you’ll provide outstanding support to our clinical teams — including Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Nurses — ensuring the highest standards of care for both our patients and clients.

Your responsibilities will include both clinical and non-clinical duties, helping to maintain exceptional animal welfare, client satisfaction, and the smooth running of the practice. You’ll also play an important role in maintaining a clean, safe, and biosecure environment, in line with our Health & Safety standards.

This is a fixed-term contract until RVN qualification (approximately 36 months, depending on college intake dates).

Why Join Us?

Summerhill Vets is a well-established group of practices across South Wales, and you’ll be based at our friendly Newport branch.

Located just off the M4, Newport offers excellent transport links — only 90 minutes by train to London, 45 minutes from Cardiff Airport, and close to the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Our Team

You’ll be joining a compassionate and supportive team of 5 Vets and 12 Nurses, alongside our dedicated support and administrative staff. Our team includes certificate holders in Emergency & Critical Care and Feline Medicine, ensuring an environment where you can learn, grow, and develop your skills.

What We Offer

• Full support and government funding to train as a Registered Veterinary Nurse
• Hands-on experience alongside a skilled and supportive team
• A varied and rewarding workload with opportunities to develop clinical and client care skills
• A friendly, collaborative working environment where your growth matters

You will work 39 hours across 4 days, covering a variety of shifts, plus 1 in 4 Saturdays.

If you’re ready to begin your journey toward becoming a qualified RVN and want to be part of a caring, progressive team, we’d love to hear from you.

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

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• 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