Job Title: Animal Care Assistant (fixed term contract) - Hammersmith animal hospital
Application Deadline: 18 June 2026
Department: Veterinary Services
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Hammersmith animal hospital
Reporting To: Nurse Manager
Compensation: £31,927 / year
Description
Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 9 months, full time 42 hours per week over 5 days
Salary: £27,973 plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance per annum
Location: Hammersmith animal hospital, London W6 0RQ
Closing date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Blue Cross animal hospitals and pet care clinics play a vital role in providing veterinary treatment to sick and injured pets, particularly when their owners are unable to afford private veterinary fees. Our veterinary care services are accessible to pets whose owners receive certain means‑tested benefits and reside within the catchment area of one of our animal hospitals or pet care clinics.
More about the role
Our Animal Care Assistants have a key role in our fast‑paced hospitals, providing a high standard of care to the pets in our hospitals and supporting their owners. They deliver empathy and a non‑judgmental mindset in all situations.
Daily duties include cleaning, feeding, exercising, grooming, laundry, administering treatments, dealing with clients at the reception, dispensing medication, and taking payments. You will monitor patients’ health, well‑being and behaviour, especially those recovering from anaesthetic.
Working closely with Vets and Nurses, you will assist with the preparation of patients and operating theatre for surgery.
Our Hammersmith hospital is a compact, quirky site with lots of character which first opened in 1922. Despite its size, it’s well equipped with digital and dental X‑ray, ultrasound and a mini‑lab for in‑house testing and microscopy. We have separate dog and cat wards, a dedicated euthanasia room, and a designated reception team so clinical staff can focus on patient care.
We have one full‑time position working 42 hours per week with a one‑hour paid lunch break on a rota that includes weekends and public holidays at our 24‑hour animal hospital at Victoria. Due to the nature of the work, you may be required to exceed these hours if workload demands.
About you
The ideal candidate has previous experience in a veterinary support role, such as a vet practice or kennel setting. Practical animal‑handling skills are essential, and experience in a busy reception role is desirable. Confident communication with a wide variety of people is required. You must be able to work in emotionally charged environments, remain calm under pressure and prioritise tasks as needed. Emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience are essential.
You will have a genuine desire to improve the lives of pets and their clients and will be proactive in promoting Blue‑Cross aims.
Essential knowledge, skills and experience
* Experience working or volunteering in a veterinary practice or similar role
* Experience within a reception or client care role
* Good communication skills, both written and verbal
* IT literacy with MS Office and web‑based databases and platforms
Additional preferences
* Qualification in Animal Care or similar
* Ability to observe changes in animal health and wellbeing
* Capability to interact face‑to‑face with clients and visitors and communicate effectively with a range of people
Blue Cross benefits
* Full‑time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
* Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
* Free access to GP via MetLife – 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
* Health cash plan
* Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
* Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
* Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support
* Life assurance
* 20 % discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
* Enhanced family‑friendly policies
* Recognition scheme
* Annual volunteer days
* Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
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