Interested in this role?
We are currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Animal Care Assistant to join our ICU team on a part time, 6 month fixed-term basis.
The Role
The successful candidate will work within our ICU, assisting with the care of the patients, infection control, stock control and general maintenance and upkeep of the equipment.
The ideal candidate will be able to work well within a team, be self-motivated and able to work using their own initiative. They should be flexible and adaptable, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment. They should be passionate about patient care and have an interest in both cats and dogs.
Working Pattern
This is a part-time, fixed-term role averaging 16.88 hours per week. This is a fixed pattern of:
- Mondays and Fridays, a variety of shifts, 7.5 hours per shift.
- 1:4 Saturday’s/Sunday’s, 7.5 hours per shift.
- 6-month fixed term contract
Candidates should have a flexible approach to their work as the post includes shift work and an OOH weekend rota. Flexibility will be required to cover periods of annual leave and sickness. We support a positive work-life balance wherever possible.
What We Offer
- A supportive and friendly team environment
- Opportunities for professional development
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- A varied and engaging caseload
Benefits and wellbeing
Our people are at the heart of what we do and as your employer we want to ensure we offer flexibility, support and staff development, where possible, through:
Time off
- 6.6 weeks holiday per year, inclusive of bank holidays (pro-rated)
- Additional holiday entitlement for Long Service
Wellbeing
- On site Mental Wellbeing Champions
- EDI committee
- Employee Forum – to ensure all employees voices can be heard
- Menopause Café
- Wellbeing talks and events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity and paternity pay (after 2 years’ service)
Health
- SimplyHealth Cashplan membership
- Free annual flu vaccination
- Free Specsavers eye test vouchers
General
- Free onsite parking
- U2 bus service link to Bristol
- Annual CPD allowance
- Employee discount
- Generous pension scheme – we match up to 8% pension contributions
- Reimbursement of one professional membership fee per year
How to apply
If this role sounds like the right fit for you, don’t delay, click ‘Apply’ and begin your career with Langford Vets.
Closing date for this role is: 31st July 2026 (applications may close early if we receive a high volume)
Interview dates: 5th and/or 12th August 2026
Job Description
Responsibilities
Job purpose
Job Title: ICU Animal Care Assistant
Reports To: Head ICU Nurse
Job Purpose:
To assist the veterinary and support staff of the Small Animal Hospital in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene throughout all clinical areas. To assist clinicians and nursing staff with the provision of in-patient care, throughout all stages of the patient’s treatment. To assist with the setting up and maintenance of rooms and equipment. There is also a requirement for a flexible working pattern and participation in the weekend rota.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Assist veterinary surgeons and nurses with clinical procedures and patient handling and restraint
- Maintain a high level of asepsis throughout the hospital including, ward, and prep rooms and to ensure all areas are adequately stocked with supplies and consumables, mainly focusing on ICU areas.
- Assist the veterinary nurses with inpatient care including feeding, walking and cleaning of hospitalised animals.
- Assist the veterinary nurses and clinicians with in-patient procedures such as bandage changes, x-rays, physiotherapy, blood sampling and catheter placement.
- Assist with the maintenance of anaesthesia equipment within ICU, to include filling vaporisers, cleaning equipment and stocking up.
- Carry out daily/weekly and monthly duties as per checklists, including end of day shut down checklists
- Maintaining accurate patient records with regards to all clinical notes, treatment, diagnoses, client communication and client /patient information
- Assist with the supervision and training of our veterinary and nursing undergraduates under direction of the nursing team
- Partake in the Hot cat rota, to provide inpatient care, asepsis and stocking of the radioactive iodine areas.
- Maintaining a good working relationship with all team members
- Communicating in an effective and pleasant manner with clients and colleagues
- Proactively identify and act upon opportunities for business improvement. Openly identify and discuss problems in order to implement and sustain improvements that increase the value we deliver to our, clients, employees, and students.
- Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.
Person Specification
Person Specification
The skills, abilities, experience and knowledge outlined below provide a summary of what is required to carry out this job effectively.
Essential |
Desirable |
Practical experience working in a veterinary or animal based environment |
Animal Nursing Assistant qualification or certificate in Animal Care |
Confidence and experience in effective handling and restraint of animals |
Interest in advancing own qualifications |
Basic understanding of English language and mathematics |
|
Communicating effectively with clients |
|
Ability to work within a team |
|
Ability to act independently |
|
Flexible approach to work |