Job Title: Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA)
Location: Swayne & Partners, Newmarket Branch (part of Kin Vet Community)
Job Type: Full time – 40 hours per week
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Clinical Director: Rachel Phillips & Emily Rose
Head Nurse: Kelly Palfrey
About Us:
At Swayne & Partners, being part of Kin Vet Community offers numerous advantages. Kin Vet Community, established in June 2023, is a vet-led collective of 19 veterinary practices in Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Kent and Southwest London. We provide compassionate, high-quality care for pets and their owners with a strong focus on providing collaborative support for our clinicians.
Swayne & Partners are a well-established, group of three small animal veterinary practices with one larger feeder hospital practice based in and around Suffolk. The four practices work hand in hand providing exceptional care to its clients and patients, with day surgeries at each branch and in house OOH and emergency care via the hospital branch in Bury St Edmunds. We're looking for someone passionate about veterinary to join our friendly practice in Newmarket, working with our nursing team.
Our Newmarket practice is a friendly, professional environment where you'll have the chance to develop your skills, support the clinical team, and build strong client relationships.
About the Role:
As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you'll play a vital part in the daily running of the practice. You'll support our veterinary surgeons and nurses in delivering outstanding care to patients, helping to maintain clinical areas, and providing a welcoming experience for clients and their pets.
Clinical Support Duties
* Safely handle and restrain animals during examinations, treatments, grooming, or procedures
* Assist vets and nurses during consultations, including preparing equipment and note-taking
* Clean and sterilise surgical instruments and clinical areas
* Support theatre preparation and post-operative monitoring
* Monitor patients during recovery under veterinary supervision and maintain accurate records
* Feed, hydrate, walk, and exercise patients as directed by the vet team
* Maintain cleanliness of kennels, bedding, and recovery areas
* Observe and report on animal welfare and comfort
* Assist veterinary nurses and surgeons during procedures
Hygiene & Infection Control
* Follow infection control protocols rigorously
* Clean and disinfect kennels, prep areas, theatres, consult rooms, and equipment
* Safely manage clinical and general waste, including sharps disposal
Reception & Client Interaction
* Greet clients and check in patients with a warm and professional manner
* Book appointments and surgeries accurately
* Handle telephone enquiries and provide clear communication to clients
* Process payments and update client records efficiently
What We're Looking For:
* Previous experience in an animal care role is desirable (such as within a veterinary practice or animal shelter)
* A passion for animal welfare and patient care
* Friendly, calm, and confident when handling animals
* Strong communication and teamwork skills
* Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities
What We Offer:
* 25 days annual leave (increasing with length of service) + bank holidays
* Private Healthcare with Vitality
* Occupational Health Services
* Free eye test vouchers and contribution toward VDU glasses
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity leave
* Staff discount scheme for up to 5 registered pets
How to Apply:
If you're enthusiastic about animal care and looking for a varied and rewarding role in a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you