Veterinary Care Assistant

At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We're on the lookout for a passionate Veterinary Care Assistant to join our dedicated team at the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

• 12 month fixed term contract for maternity cover
• On-site: Your base will be at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital
• Working hours: 35 hour rotating shift basis
• The shifts vary but typically include 8am-4pm, 2pm-10pm, and overnight 10pm-8am.
• The current 8 week rolling rota includes:
• 7 nights on 7 days off
• 2 weekends (Sat & Sun)
• 5 evening shifts (Mon-Fri)

Are you ready to be part of our journey and make a difference?

Our recruitment journey - key dates for you to note: 

We believe in transparency and a stress-free experience. Here is a quick look at what you can expect.

1. Application

You'll be asked a few targeted questions designed to help us understand your experience, unique skills, and future potential. This is your first chance to stand out!

1. Panel Interview & Site Visit - W/C 07/09/26

If your application hits the mark, we'll invite you to meet us in person. You'll sit down with the Hiring Manager and another member of the team for a competency based interview and a tour of the site. This stage is designed for you to:

• Explore the Role: Get a feel for the team culture and the real-world impact you'll be making.
• Demonstrate Your Strengths: Show us how you work in a supportive, relaxed environment.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know - we're happy to support you.

We think this role is going to be popular and are expecting to attract high interest, so we strongly encourage early applications to avoid missing out. The deadline for applications will be 28th August.

As an Veterinary Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of our mission helping rescued animals recover, rebuild trust and find their forever homes.

Your day will include:

• You'll start your day cleaning by the enclosures of our intakes, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species, as well as feeding, watering, grooming and exercising them.
• You'll ensure the highest standards of welfare, and will monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health.
• You will also administer medication or treatment prescribed by a Vet and implement behaviour modification programmes with guidance from our Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team.

No two days are the same, it's hands-on, rewarding and sometimes tough, but always worth it!

• Previous experience of veterinary care work
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to demonstrate teamwork with veterinary, animal centre and Inspectorate colleagues
• Self-motivation and an ability to manage your own time
• Full manual driving licence (Travelling off site when needed)

Desirable:

• An NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care or equivalent e.g. VCA, ANA.

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor visas.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion. Our purpose is to inspire everyone to create a better world for animals. We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed to our purpose. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family!

We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.