Animal Care Assistant / Patient Care Assistant (PCA/ACA)
Location: V For Vets, Peachman Way, Postwick, Broadland Business Park, Norwich, NR7 7YW
Job type: Full-time, Permanent
Expected hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience, with regular performance and development reviews
Start date: By agreement
Join Norwich’s growing Independent Veterinary Practice
V For Vets is an independent, vet-owned veterinary practice founded and led by two experienced veterinary surgeons.
Since opening in December 2025, we have grown rapidly and are now entering an exciting new stage of development. After seven successful months of caring for pets across Norwich and Norfolk, we are expanding our team and looking for a kind, reliable and enthusiastic Animal Care Assistant / Patient Care Assistant to join us.
We care for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles and other exotic pets, with facilities designed to support everything from preventative healthcare and consultations to surgery, diagnostic imaging, hospitalisation and emergency care.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to build a meaningful, long-term career in veterinary care while working within a supportive and genuinely independent practice.
The role
As an Animal Care Assistant, you will play an important part in the daily running of the hospital and the care of our patients.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Caring for hospitalised dogs, cats and exotic pets
- Feeding, walking, cleaning and providing comfort to inpatients
- Supporting veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses during consultations, procedures and patient recovery
- Preparing consultation rooms, theatres and clinical areas
- Cleaning and maintaining kennels, wards and equipment
- Completing laundry, sterilisation, restocking and general housekeeping duties
- Monitoring patients and reporting any concerns to the clinical team
- Assisting with the safe handling and restraint of animals
- Performing reception, administration and client communication duties
- Helping maintain the high clinical, hygiene and customer-service standards expected throughout the practice
The role will involve physical work, including cleaning, lifting, bending and spending extended periods on your feet. Some evening and weekend work will be required as part of the practice rota.
About you
We are looking for someone who is:
- Kind, compassionate and genuinely passionate about animal welfare
- Reliable, punctual and committed to supporting the wider team
- Proactive and willing to take responsibility for completing tasks
- Calm and professional in a busy clinical environment
- Comfortable working with animals of different sizes, species and temperaments
- Confident communicating with colleagues and pet owners
- Highly attentive to cleanliness, hygiene and infection control
- Willing to learn, accept feedback and continue developing
- Able to work independently while also contributing positively to a team
Previous experience within a veterinary practice, rescue centre, boarding facility, farm, animal-care setting or customer-facing role would be beneficial, but it is not essential. The right attitude, work ethic and willingness to learn are equally important.
An animal-care qualification would be welcomed but is not required.
Career development
This position may particularly suit someone who hopes to train as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in the future.
We are committed to supporting the development of our team, and progression opportunities may become available for suitable team members based on performance, experience, business requirements and readiness for further training.
Although progression cannot be guaranteed immediately, you will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses while gaining valuable experience within a modern veterinary practice.
Why join V For Vets?
- Join a growing, purpose-built independent veterinary practice
- Become part of the team at an exciting stage of the practice’s development
- Work directly alongside hands-on veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses
- Gain experience caring for dogs, cats and exotic pets
- Work in a practice without corporate scripts or shareholder-led targets
- Receive structured onboarding, training and ongoing support
- Be part of a friendly team where ideas and contributions are valued
- Develop your skills within a modern clinical environment
- Benefit from genuine opportunities for internal development as the practice continues to grow
What we offer
- Competitive salary
- Regular performance and development reviews
- Five weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Staff discount on veterinary treatment and products
- Full onboarding and role-specific training
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Potential future progression towards veterinary nursing
- Health cash plan after one year of service, with the option to upgrade to AVIVA private medical insurance
- Modern facilities and equipment
- Free on-site parking
- A supportive, friendly and independent working environment
About V For Vets
V For Vets was created to provide advanced, compassionate and individualised veterinary care while offering a supportive and fulfilling workplace for veterinary professionals.
Our aim is to build lasting relationships with our clients, provide continuity of care and treat every patient as an individual. We believe that excellent veterinary care begins with a team that feels respected, supported and proud of the work it does.
This is more than an entry-level animal-care position. It is an opportunity to become part of a growing independent practice and help shape what we build next.
How to apply
Please apply by email at [email protected] with:
- Your current CV
- A short cover letter explaining why you would like to join V For Vets
- Details of any relevant animal-care, veterinary or customer-service experience
You can learn more about us at www.vforvets.co.uk or through our social media pages
V For Vets Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
Pay: From £26,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
