Veterinary Care Assistant
Beacon View Vets, Sandwich, Kent
Full-time, 40 hours per week over five days
Starting at £12.80 per hour
Help us deliver exceptional care, every day
Beacon View Vets is a growing, independent veterinary practice with a passionate team committed to improving the health and quality of pets’ lives.
As our veterinary team and clinical services continue to develop, we are looking for a compassionate, proactive and dependable Veterinary Care Assistant to join our nursing team.
This is an important hands-on role that will help keep our clinical areas organised, our patients comfortable and our veterinary and nursing teams well supported. You will play a valuable part in the smooth running of the clinical day and in maintaining the high standards of care, cleanliness and professionalism for our patients and clients.
The role
Working closely with our Registered Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Surgeons, you will support the team with responsibilities including:
● Preparing, cleaning and maintaining consulting, treatment, theatre and patient areas
● Supporting the comfort, handling and basic care of patients
● Completing laundry, cleaning and infection-control duties to a consistently high standard
● Restocking clinical areas and ensuring equipment and supplies are ready when needed
● Cleaning, maintaining and safely storing equipment in accordance with practice procedures
● Supporting the organisation and flow of the clinical day
● Helping to create a calm, welcoming environment for patients and clients
● Communicating clearly with colleagues and completing agreed tasks reliably
● Assisting the veterinary and nursing teams within the appropriate boundaries of your training and competence
This is a practical and physically active role. Cleaning, organisation, restocking and maintaining high hygiene standards are fundamental parts of the position and are just as important as working directly with patients.
Who we are looking for
You will be someone who:
● Genuinely cares about animal welfare and patient comfort
● Has an eye for detail in keeping clinical environments clean, organised and ready for use
● Is dependable, punctual and able to follow tasks through to completion
● Uses initiative and intuition to anticipate what may be needed, taking appropriate action
● Remains calm, compassionate and professional during busy or emotional situations
● Communicates openly and respectfully with the whole team
● Brings a growth mindset, welcomes opportunities to learn and is committed to developing both personally and professionally
● Contributes positively to a supportive, inclusive and accountable team culture
● Is willing to pitch in and support colleagues as the needs of the day change
Previous experience in a veterinary practice, animal-care environment, kennels, rescue centre or similar setting would be helpful, although your attitude, reliability and alignment with our values will be equally important and experience is not essential.
A VCA role in its own right
We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to develop and contribute as a Veterinary Care Assistant.
This position is designed as a meaningful role in its own right and does not include a planned pathway into Student Veterinary Nurse training. We want to support the successful candidate to become confident, capable and highly valued within the VCA role.
You will receive a structured induction, clear responsibilities and appropriate training to help you contribute safely and effectively.
Why join Beacon View?
Beacon View is an independent, ambitious and progressive practice where every member of the team has an important part to play.
As a Veterinary Care Assistant, your work will make a visible difference every day. By helping patients feel comfortable, keeping clinical areas prepared and organised, and supporting the veterinary and nursing teams, you will contribute directly to safe, efficient and compassionate patient care.
You will work in a modern and varied clinical environment alongside an experienced team of Registered Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Surgeons and our Client Care team. We continue to invest in our people, facilities and services, including CT scanning, endoscopy, minimally invasive surgery, advanced diagnostics and enhanced inpatient care. This creates opportunities to support a broad range of patients and procedures.
We are proud to have been recognised as Best Vets in Kent 2026 and as one of the Top 25 veterinary practices in the UK. This reflects the care, communication and teamwork our whole team brings to the experience of our patients and clients.
You will receive a structured induction, clear responsibilities and ongoing support to help you grow in confidence and develop your skills within the VCA role. We value feedback, learning and personal development, and we want everyone to feel respected, included and able to contribute ideas.
Our values guide how we work together:
Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions, commitments and results.
Compassion: We treat patients, clients and colleagues with kindness, respect and understanding.
Teamwork: We collaborate, share our skills and support one another.
Embrace the Adventure: We remain curious, open to learning and committed to becoming better.
You can expect a friendly, supportive and forward-thinking workplace where your contribution will be recognised and where you will have the opportunity to grow with the practice.
The package
● 40 hours per week
● Five working days each week
● Shifts will vary within our opening hours of 8:00am to 7:30pm Monday to Friday.
● Starting at £12.80 per hour
● CPD and training opportunities
● Pension, and salary sacrifice schemes
● Complete Care Club membership for two personal pets
● BUPA Employee Wellbeing Programme
● Generous staff discounts
● Regular team events, social activities and team development sessions
How to apply
Please send us your CV together with a short covering letter to [email protected] explaining:
● Why the Veterinary Care Assistant role appeals to you
● What you believe you would bring to Beacon View
● What great teamwork and animal care mean to you
We are looking forward to meeting someone who will take pride in supporting our patients, clients and team, and who would like to grow with Beacon View as we continue to embrace the adventure.
Pay: From £12.80 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Financial planning services
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
Work Location: In person
