Animal Care Assistant, Night Shifts

Final date to receive applications: 19 October 2026

Department: Veterinary Services

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Grimsby animal hospital

Reporting To: Victoria Graham/Clare Pennell

Compensation: £27,973 / year

Contract: Full time (Day and Night Shifts), Fixed Term Contract until June 2027

Salary: £27,973per annum

Location: Grimsby animal hospital

Closing date: Monday 19 October 2026

Interview date: w/c 26 October 2026

At Grimsby animal hospital, every day is different. As one of Blue Cross's veterinary hospitals, we provide essential treatment and support to pets and their owners, helping animals receive the care they need when they need it most.

We're looking for an Animal Care Assistant to join our dedicated team on a fixed term contract. If you're passionate about animal welfare, enjoy working with people and thrive in a hands-on environment, this could be a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to pets and their owners every day.

Blue Cross animal hospitals and pet care clinics play a vital role in providing veterinary treatment to sick and injured pets, particularly when their owners are unable to afford private veterinary fees. Our veterinary care services are available to pets whose owners receive certain means-tested benefits and live within the catchment area of one of our hospitals or clinics.

As an Animal Care Assistant, you will work alongside our team of Veterinary Surgeons, Registered Veterinary Nurses and fellow Animal Care Assistants to provide a high standard of care to the pets in our hospital. You'll support the day-to-day running of the hospital by carrying out essential animal care tasks, including feeding, cleaning, exercising and monitoring patients, while also assisting with veterinary treatments, surgical procedures and reception duties.

You'll play an important role in ensuring pets receive excellent care throughout their stay and that clients receive a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental service.

This role requires flexibility to provide night-shift cover during periods of team absence, occasionally at short notice. Approximately 25-35% of contracted hours are expected to be worked on night shifts, with all shifts scheduled within contracted hours.

You will be a confident and flexible individual who enjoys working as part of a team and takes pride in delivering a high standard of care to animals. You'll be comfortable working in a busy environment where priorities can change and will be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.

Working in a veterinary hospital can sometimes be emotionally challenging, so you'll be resilient, able to remain calm under pressure and have excellent bounce-back ability. You'll be emotionally intelligent, showing empathy and understanding when supporting both clients and colleagues.

You'll have a good understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean, safe and comfortable environment for animals and be willing to learn, follow direction and work within the boundaries of the role. You will also share our commitment to improving the lives of pets and the people who love them.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience

• Experience working or volunteering in a veterinary practice or within a similar role
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• IT literate with MS Office and web-based databases and platforms
• Ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values.

Desirable qualifications, skills, and experience

• Experience with in a reception or client care role
• Qualification in Animal Care or similar
• The ability to observe changes in animals health and wellbeing
• The ability to interact…