Job Description
Role: Wards Animal Care Assistant
Location: Swift Referrals, Wetherby
Contract: Part-Time, Maternity Cover (12 months)
Opened in 2019 and purpose-built to industry-leading standards, Swift Referrals is a multi-disciplinary referral hospital, offering the very best in veterinary excellence, all under one roof. We specialise in the areas of orthopaedics, neurology, internal medicine and soft tissue surgery, housing world-class facilities on our premises from advanced imaging machines to specialist treatment and aftercare rooms. The hospital has fantastic equipment available including
1.5T Siemens MRI scanner, 128 Slice GE CT scanner, doppler ultrasound, endoscopy, arthroscopy and state-of-the-art operating theatres.
We are fully committed to the wellbeing of our team of over 80 employees, and we are thrilled to see how this is reflected in the consistent positive feedback in our team satisfaction surveys.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How you'll make a difference
As an Animal Care Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the clinical team to deliver high standards of patient and client care, while helping to ensure the practice environment runs smoothly and safely.
Working under the direction of a veterinary surgeon or registered veterinary nurse, you’ll support inpatient care, assist with patient handling and restraint, help maintain clinical areas and equipment, and contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for both patients and clients.
The role will involve:
*Assisting our wards team supporting the care of all our inpatients
*Feeding the animals
*Walking the animals
*Providing TLC to patients from our OOH service and referral service
This is a part-time role to cover maternity leave for 12 months. The shifts will be 4 x 9 hour days.
You might be a great fit if...
You are a reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to develop within a veterinary environment. You’ll bring:
* A caring, professional approach and a genuine interest in animal welfare
* Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively in a busy environment
* A proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and development
How we'll support you
At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
* Structured development opportunities, including access to VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
* Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
* Supportive, collaborative teams focused on delivering high-quality patient and client care
* Funded learning and development aligned to your role
* A values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What we offer our team
*6.6 weeks' annual leave
*Additional annual leave for your birthday, which will be added to your holiday allowance
*Increasing annual leave accrued through length of service
*Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
*Healthcare Cash Plan
*Cycle to Work scheme
*Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
*Pension scheme
*Discounted staff pet care
* Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you
* Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
