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 Directors: 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 across Essex, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Southwest London. We provide compassionate, high-quality care for pets and their owners, with a strong focus on collaboration and support for our clinical teams.
Swayne & Partners is a well-established group of three small animal veterinary practices, supported by a larger hospital in Bury St Edmunds. Together, our branches offer exceptional care with day surgeries, in-house out-of-hours services, and emergency support.
We’re currently looking for a qualified Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) to join our friendly team at the Newmarket branch, working closely with our nursing team to support day-to-day clinical operations.
About the Role:
As a qualified Veterinary Care Assistant, you'll play a vital role in the smooth running of our practice. You’ll support our veterinary surgeons and nurses in providing the highest standard of patient care, maintain clinical areas to a high standard, and help ensure a welcoming experience for clients and their pets.
Key Responsibilities:
* Safely handle and restrain animals during exams, treatments, grooming, or procedures
* Assist vets and nurses during consultations, including equipment preparation and note-taking
* Clean and sterilise instruments and clinical areas
* Support with theatre preparation and patient recovery monitoring
* Monitor patients under supervision and maintain accurate clinical records
* Feed, hydrate, and exercise inpatients as instructed
* Maintain cleanliness of kennels and recovery areas
* Observe and report on patient welfare and comfort
Hygiene & Infection Control:
* Follow strict infection control protocols
* Clean and disinfect kennels, theatres, consult rooms, and equipment
* Safely manage and dispose of clinical waste and sharps
Reception & Client Interaction:
* Greet clients and check in patients professionally
* Book appointments and surgeries accurately
* Answer phone calls and assist with general client queries
* Process payments and update client records
What We’re Looking For:
* Qualified Veterinary Care Assistant (essential)
* Previous experience in a veterinary practice or similar setting
* A genuine passion for animal care and welfare
* Confident and calm when handling animals
* Good communication and teamwork skills
* A proactive, can-do attitude with a willingness to support where needed
What We Offer:
* 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays
* Private Healthcare with Vitality
* Occupational Health services
* Free eye test vouchers & contribution towards VDU glasses
* Enhanced Maternity/Paternity leave
* Staff discount scheme (up to 5 registered pets)
How to Apply:
If you’re a qualified VCA looking for a rewarding and varied role in a supportive team environment, we’d love to hear from you!
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