Veterinary Auxiliary Nurse

Sheriff's Highway Vets is ideally located within easy commuting distance of Newcastle City Centre, the beautiful North East coastline, and the stunning countryside of Durham and Northumberland. Our main branch is based in Gateshead, supported by branches in Whickham, Sunderland, and Crawcrook. Two of our branches also perform procedures, offering a varied and engaging working environment.

• Main branch in Gateshead with additional branches in Whickham, Sunderland and Crawcrook
• Two branch sites performing procedures, providing a varied clinical environment
• Digital radiography and dental radiography
• Flexible and rigid endoscopes
• Comprehensive in-house laboratory including haematology, biochemistry and EPOC machines
• Advanced ultrasound machine with Doppler
• Specialist equipment for soft tissue, orthopaedic and endoscopic surgery

As a Veterinary 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.

• Average 38 hours per week
• 4 working days per week
• 1 in 4 weekend rota (Saturdays, 8:00am - 5:00pm)

• Animal care including feeding, grooming and maintaining clean patient environments
• Assisting vets and nurses with patient restraint during examinations and procedures
• Maintaining high infection control and hygiene standards throughout the practice
• Running diagnostic samples, preparing equipment and supporting laboratory activities
• Assisting with reception duties and supporting clients and their pets

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 with 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
• Experience of working with animals in either a clinical or non‑clinical setting would be advantageous

• 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
• A values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

Up to £25,201.9