Veterinary Care Assistant (1781)

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We're looking for a Veterinary Care Assistant to join our Veterinary team at our Manchester Animal Hospital on a full-time, permanent basis, reporting into one of our Nursing Team Leaders.

• Working hours: 35 hours on a 24 hour rotating shift.
• On-site: Your base will be at Manchester Animal Hospital.
• The shifts worked vary but typically include 6am-2pm, 8am-4pm, 2pm-10pm, 10pm-6am. You'll receive an additional shift allowance of 33% of your basic hourly rate for any night shifts worked.

Are you ready to be part of our journey and make a difference?

We've added a short summary of what a typical day might look like, but for a full insight please refer to the attached job description.

Our fabulous Veterinary Care Assistants are integral to the smooth running of the hospital.

You'll start the day with a given area and patients to care for. These may have complex needs, or be more straightforward. You will be asked to keep them clean and cared for, give medications, update records, and be alert to concerns. You might also be assisting with surgical cases in our operating theatre, helping prepare animals for surgery, or ensuring instruments are prepared for use.

No two days are the same and new, vulnerable animals are brought in, and moved along on their journey from rescue to rehome every day, so having great communication skills helps liaise with our other front-line colleagues. It can be emotionally tough at times, but the rewards of successful outcomes and knowing you are making a difference are great. You will be part of a big team with lots of opportunities to develop your skills in animal care. 

Veterinary Care Assistants are proactive and collaborative to ensure high standards of animal welfare and biosecurity on a 24hr rota. The shifts worked vary but typically include 6am-2pm, 8am-4pm, 2pm-10pm, 10pm-6am.

• Previous experience of veterinary care work
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to demonstrate teamwork with veterinary animal centre and Inspectorate colleagues
• Self-motivation and an ability to manage your own time
• An NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care or equivalent e.g. VCA, ANA is desirable.

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles may need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received. This can occasionally result in positions closing earlier than advertised. Therefore, we strongly recommend submitting applications early. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving a high level of applications, this may not always be possible.

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications including from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect.