Veterinary Care Assistant

• Hours:
  
  8:30am - 5:00pm or 11:00am - 7:30pm

The role includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. No weekend work.

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.

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.

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.

• 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…