Veterinary Care Assistant
Start your career in veterinary nursing and learn the principles of exceptional care as a VCA with Medivet.
See our VCA vacanciesAbout the role
VCAs play an essential role in the day-to-day running of our practices. They typically work across four to six practices and provide support in caring for pets, including walks and playtime, maintaining high clinical standards throughout the premises and reporting back to senior members of the team.
The role also provides the perfect introduction for those pursuing a career in veterinary nursing and is usually the first step to becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse. In this varied and rewarding role, you’ll learn the core principles of veterinary nursing and get to grips with life in a busy practice.
To apply, you must have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Science and Maths. If you don’t have a grade 4 or above in Maths or English Language, we can accept Level 2 Functional Skills.
The awarding body will accept alternative qualifications: Veterinary Care Assistant Certificate, Animal Nursing Assistant award or a National Diploma in Animal Care. However, you’ll still need evidence of a GCSE grade 4 in Maths and English Language.
Benefits
- 4 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Company discounts and benefits
- Additional benefits, including 100% attendance scheme and ‘peternity’ leave
Progression and development are at the heart of everything we do, and we offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your skills and experience. As well as regular catch-ups and a tailored personal development plan, you’ll have access to e-learning platforms, soft skill courses (including personal effectiveness and handling difficult conversations with clients), and individual leadership modules to suit your career path.
Working hours in a practice can vary. We have several 24-hour practices that operate on a shift pattern. All working hours will be discussed with you at your interview.
We offer 20 days’ annual leave for Veterinary Care Assistants working full time. The annual leave will be pro-rata for part-time opportunities.
You’ll work between various practices within a defined geographical region. You’ll receive advanced notice of which practices you’ll be working in. Most roles and locations require a full UK driving licence.
Most of our practices have parking facilities for our clients. When attending an interview, please feel free to use one of the available spaces.
Unfortunately, we can’t cover any costs incurred while attending an interview.
During a competency interview, you’ll be asked questions about your previous experience relating to the role you’re applying for. These questions are usually scenario-based, and we may ask about a time you were involved in a similar situation.
You’ll be advised what documents and/or items to bring with you to your interview; this can vary depending on the role you’re applying for. If you’re unsure, our recruitment team will be happy to help.
We recommend you dress smartly unless you’re advised otherwise in the invitation.
If you’re seeing a practice, you’re likely to be involved in some manual tasks. Therefore, we recommend you wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting dirty. You should also wear flat, closed-toe shoes, as you may be invited into the kennels and theatre areas.
We recommend smart dress for your induction.
You’ll have an opportunity at your induction to try on various sizes before ordering your uniform. This will be sent direct to your practice in the first week of your employment.
If you can’t find a role you want to apply for, please register your interest here and we’ll let you know when a vacancy becomes available.
Of course. Please register your interest here and we’ll let you know when a vacancy that matches your criteria becomes available.
Of course. Once you’ve applied for one role, you can select the ‘reuse application’ option on the application form for another role. There may be different questions associated with that vacancy which will need to be answered, but we’ll advise you which these may be.
Most of our practices offer work experience, however our spaces are limited. Take a look at our work experience page for more information.
Unfortunately, we can’t take on volunteers at the moment.
Our vacancies page is updated daily, so check back regularly to find rewarding opportunities. You can also register your interest in a role to be notified of future vacancies.