Kennel Assistant

British Veterinary Association; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job description

Here at Wigmore Veterinary Centre, we are seeking a Kennel Assistant to join our team! We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and friendly person with a strong passion for animal care and welfare. The ideal candidate should enjoy working as part of a very busy team but also possess the confidence to work alone. Previous work experience within a veterinary practice is desirable (voluntary or paid), along with a willingness to learn.

About the role

As a Kennel Assistant, you will be an integral part of the practice team, working with our Veterinary Surgeons, Qualified Nurses, Student Nurses and Receptionists to provide exceptional care to our patients. Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

1. Assisting our lab staff with running in house laboratory samples
2. Answering emergency calls
3. Assisting Vets and Nurses in restraining animals for treatment
4. Cleaning, walking, and feeding of patients
5. Preparation of emergency and operating facilities, cleaning and sterilising instruments.
6. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment throughout the building in both clinical and non-clinical areas
7. Reception duties
8. Pharmacy duties
9. Order unpacking, and stock rotation
10. Animal handling

Our ideal candidate

You should have a mature attitude and be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment, as well as being able to adapt to the unknown daily challenges that working in a veterinary practice brings.

1. An excellent communicator with strong empathy
2. Excellent customer service skills and experience in dealing with members of the public
3. Experience in animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, medicating and handling and a high level of understanding of how to meet the welfare needs of animals
4. Resilient with the ability to cope with potentially distressing and emotional situations
5. A positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills
6. Able to prioritise a range of tasks and own workload
7. Experience in looking after animals in a veterinary environment would be desirable

Your shift pattern

You will work 40 hours per week, covering shifts between 08:30 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday (possibility of some Saturday cover with prior notice).

In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from:

1. 6.6 weeks annual leave
2. Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be added to your holiday allowance
3. Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay
4. Cycle to work scheme
5. Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
6. Non-accidental injury support
7. Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
8. Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
9. Pension scheme
10. Discounted staff pet care

Wigmore Veterinary Centre, Rainham

392 Maidstone Road, Rainham, Gillingham, ME8 0JA, United Kingdom

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Animals treated

Small animals

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