The Vet Whetstones
- Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm or 11:00am – 7:30pm
The role includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. No weekend work.
Salary - £24,784.50 - £26,436.80
A great veterinary visit begins before a patient reaches the consulting room. As one of the first and last people our clients meet, you will help every person and pet feel welcomed, listened to and cared for - whether they are joining us for a routine appointment or need a little extra reassurance on a difficult day.
About us
We are looking for a Veterinary Care Assistant to join our team at The Vet Whetstone.
For more than 20 years, we've combined advanced clinical capabilities with a commitment to helping veterinary professionals learn, develop and grow. We're proud of the experienced team we've built and the opportunities we provide for our colleagues to continue developing their careers. You'll be joining a practice where you'll have the opportunity to deepen your expertise, work alongside experienced clinicians and continue developing your career.
As part of Kin Vet Community, a small collective of like-minded community veterinary practices, we benefit from the support, shared expertise and collaborative approach that comes from working alongside teams who share our commitment to exceptional veterinary care. Whilst every practice retains its own culture, leadership and way of working, being part of Kin Vet creates greater opportunities to learn from one another, invest in our people and facilities, and continue evolving the services we provide to pets and their owners.
The role
This is a varied Veterinary Care Assistant / Client Care Assistant role combining client care, communication, organisation, reception and practical support across the practice. You will be an important first point of contact for clients and their pets, while also providing hands-on support to the veterinary team and helping to keep the practice running smoothly.
- Give clients and their pets a warm, professional and reassuring welcome in person, by telephone and through digital channels.
- Manage appointments and diaries accurately, making sensible booking decisions and using your initiative when responding to client enquiries.
- Recognise when clients require veterinary advice or an urgent appointment and ensure clinical questions are referred appropriately to the veterinary team.
- Handle a busy reception environment confidently, managing telephone calls, emails, clients waiting at reception, payments and bookings at the same time.
- Provide clear and professional communication to clients, including knowing when to place clients on hold, seek advice or arrange a call back from the appropriate member of the veterinary team.
- Process payments, invoices, registrations and other administrative tasks accurately and promptly.
- Monitor emails and other communication channels, ensuring enquiries are handled or escalated quickly.
- Support clients with compassion and empathy during emotional or sensitive situations involving their pets.
- Keep client and patient records accurate, confidential and up to date using practice management and other IT systems.
- Support the veterinary team with the safe handling and restraint of animals during consultations where appropriate.
- Provide general practical support to the clinical team, including helping with basic patient care and ensuring the practice is ready for consultations and other clinical activity.
- Assist with cleaning, laundry, housekeeping and general practice duties to maintain a clean, safe and organised environment.
- Support the wider team during busy periods, unexpected absence or changing practice demands, moving flexibly between reception and veterinary care support as required.
About you
What you will bring
- A genuine passion for animals and a strong desire to work within the veterinary sector.
- A warm, friendly and approachable manner, with the confidence to build positive relationships with clients, colleagues and their pets.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt your approach to different clients and situations.
- Strong organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise and remain calm while managing multiple demands.
- Confidence using technology and the ability to learn and adapt to new systems quickly.
- The confidence and judgement to use your initiative when dealing with client enquiries, while understanding when matters need to be referred to a veterinary professional.
- Compassion and emotional intelligence, particularly when supporting clients who may be worried, upset or distressed about their pets.
- A flexible and proactive approach, with a willingness to support wherever the practice needs you.
- Reliability, professionalism and a commitment to maintaining high standards of client and patient care.
- A collaborative mindset and a genuine enjoyment of working as part of a veterinary team.
It would be helpful if you have
- Previous experience working within a veterinary practice.
- Previous experience in veterinary reception, VCA, PCA or a similar practice-based role.
- A VCA/PCA qualification or relevant training in veterinary care.
- Experience of animal handling and basic restraint.
- Experience working in a busy client-facing environment where you have had to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Familiarity with veterinary practice management systems, digital communication tools or other client management technology.
Veterinary practice experience is highly desirable. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience of either veterinary reception or veterinary care support, even if they have not previously undertaken both elements of the role.
Why you will love working here
You will have the opportunity to play a genuinely varied role within the practice, combining client care with practical support for the veterinary team. No two days will be exactly the same, and your ability to move between reception, client support and practice duties will make you an important part of the team.
You will work alongside colleagues who understand the importance of excellent client service and high-quality patient care, while developing your knowledge and experience across different areas of veterinary practice.
Your benefits
· 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days after five years
· Enhanced maternity and adoption leave - up to six months at 90% pay, depending on length of service
· Enhanced paternity leave - up to four weeks' full pay
· Five days' family leave for compassionate or emergency circumstances
· Private healthcare from April 2027
· 4% employer pension contribution
· Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential wellbeing support
· Free eye tests and Occupational Health support
· £200 annual CPD allowance for nursing team members and CSAs
· Staff discount on veterinary care within our practices
· Relocation bonus, where applicable
What success looks like
You will help every client feel welcomed, listened to, valued and cared for, while ensuring their pets receive the practical support they need throughout their visit.
Reception will run smoothly, enquiries will be handled confidently, appointments and records will be accurate, and the veterinary team will receive the support they need to deliver excellent patient care.
You will be someone the team can rely on — whether that means managing a busy reception, helping a client who is worried about their pet, supporting a vet during a consultation, assisting with animal handling or simply rolling up your sleeves and helping to keep the practice clean and organised.
This role is about much more than reception or basic practice support. It is about people, pets and teamwork, and making sure every client and patient receives the best possible experience.
Ready to make a difference to pets, clients and the team?
If you are a warm, compassionate and adaptable person who genuinely loves animals and would like to build your career within a veterinary practice, we would be delighted to hear from you. Apply today and tell us why this role feels right for you.
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