Job Description

If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.
Role: Patient Care Assistant

Location: Shires Vets, across all 5 sites


Salary: 25,646.40 per year pro rata to 22,440.60 per year


Job type: Permanent, part-time


Hours: 35 hours per week, 1:5 Saturday mornings at the Stone practice

Your role and responsibilities

We have an exciting opportunity for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) to join our friendly team


at Shires Vets.



PCA's work in a variety of areas in practice and it will be necessary to accept instruction from a variety of people, including management, Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses. Working enthusiastically within the team, you will help maintain a happy, efficient, and effective working environment.


You will be responsible for preparing theatre for surgeries, cleaning and maintaining the quality of our instruments, assist with patient care, ensuring our patients are exercised and fed regularly, running in-house lab tests, packaging biological samples and assisting with the smooth running of the practice.


This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a passion for animals.


The ideal candidate will have experience in veterinary, medical or care sectors.



Duties would also include:

Assist with patient handling and restraint. Ensuring that all handling and restraint is carried out in a patient friendly approach to ensure no unnecessary stress or discomfort to the patient. Cleaning, disinfection and preparation of patient accommodation. Play an active role in maintaining the hospital and its infection control. This will include sterilising and deep cleaning among other duties. Assist with reception and client care, including answering the telephone, dealing with enquiries, booking procedures and taking payments. Assist Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses, and support staff where and when required. Work and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. Demonstrate the ability to be reliable, adaptable, understanding and empathetic

What we offer

5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave Extensive Internal CPD Potential career progression opportunities Staff discount schemes Life Assurance Enhanced sickness pay Enhanced equal family leave E-car salary sacrifice scheme Employer contribution pension scheme Recruitment referral reward scheme Wellness program including: Employee assistance program Eyecare voucher scheme Free annual Flu jab Cycle to work scheme


Shires Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.


At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You'll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best - care for pets.


We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.


All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you need any support in completing your application or simply want to find out more about Shires Vets, Linnaeus or the role please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@linnaeusgroup.co.uk.


We are proud to be Linnaeus, part of Mars. Linnaeus is a forward-thinking group of highly respected primary care and specialist referral practices in the UK and Ireland. Being family owned and part of Mars Veterinary Health, the largest veterinary company in the world, allows us to focus on advancing the veterinary profession to provide industry-leading pet care and unique career opportunities for our people. Why Linnaeus? - We pride ourselves in offering high-quality excellence of service and clinical care for our clients and their pets - We lead on sustainability and collectively drive positive change for people, pets and the planet - We prioritise your mental health and wellbeing - valuing equity, diversity and inclusion - We support your personal and professional development with best-in-class career frameworks and training programmes. We will empower and support you to grow your career from day one. We team up within our Mars family in partnership for a stronger future. Linnaeus is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We treat each other fairly and equitably and we are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse for all our Associates. At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. If you would like to apply for this role, please click the Apply Button or for more information, please feel free to reach out directly to our Talent Acquisition team at careers@linnaeusgroup.co.uk