We are looking for a compassionate and proactive veterinary care assistant to join our dedicated team at Beech House Vets. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves animals and is keen to build a rewarding career. You'll work closely with our nursing, veterinary, and support teams to provide exceptional care to our patients and their owners. This is a hands‑on role where no two days are the same, from supporting clinical procedures to welcoming clients at reception.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Nursing Support
*Assist vet nurses and vets during consultations, procedures, and inpatient care
*Support with basic animal handling, monitoring, feeding, grooming, and exercise
*Prepare equipment, treatment rooms, and wards for daily operations
*Maintain accurate patient records and assist with stock control
Client Care & Reception
*Welcome clients in a professional and friendly manner
*Support with reception duties, including answering phones, booking appointments, and taking payments
*Update client information and assist with communication between clinical teams and pet owners
Maintenance & Hygiene
*Ensure all areas are kept clean, organised, and compliant with health and safety standards
*Support with laundry, sterilisation of equipment, and general housekeeping duties
Why Join Us?
We consider team well‑being a priority and work together to create a good work‑life balance. This enables us to provide excellent and friendly care to our clients, many of whom have been with the practice for several decades.
We are a 5-minute walk from the train station and a 20-minute walk to central Brighton. The area is perfect if you enjoy a mix of vibrant town life with beautiful countryside and outdoor activities on your doorstep.
Our team consists of 2 Vets, 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses, and 1 Student Nurse. We also have ample support from our 4 Client Care team members. We have an exceptionally supportive team in place, and should you choose Beech House as your next workplace, your well-being and happiness are our top priority.
About You
Essential qualities include a genuine passion for animal care and welfare, the ability to work collaboratively as a positive, can‑do team player, and strong communication and people skills. You should be flexible, reliable, and able to remain calm under pressure, with a willingness to learn, take direction, and develop new skills.
Preferably, though not essential, is experience working with animals, whether in a veterinary practice, a clinical or care environment, or within a customer‑facing role. An understanding of animal behaviour and handling is also beneficial. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with previous animal experience, those from healthcare or customer service, or anyone seeking a meaningful career change.
Your Shift Pattern
You will work 40 hours per week between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday. We are happy to discuss a 4‑ or 5‑day rota, with occasional cover required at New Priory Hospital in cases of sickness or annual leave.
In Addition to a Competitive Salary, You Will Benefit From:
*6.6 weeks annual leave
*Additional annual leave for your birthday, 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 well-being
*Non‑accidental injury support
*Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
*Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway offering discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
*Pension scheme
*Discounted staff pet care
£0 - £0 a year Up to £26,436.80 DOE