Job Description

Please note:

To apply please visit https://cotswoldsdogsandcatshome.org.uk/work-with-us/

and complete and application to send along with your CV and covering letter.

RSPCA Cotswolds, Gloucester & District Branch

Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home

A charity registered in England & Wales. Charity no. 207006

Role profile:

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Hours:

15 hours per week across 2 days

Salary:

27,610 (pro-rata)

Annual leave allowance:

28 days including bank holidays (pro-rata)

Location:

The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home, Cambridge, Gloucestershire.

Contract:

Permanent, subject to 6-month probationary period.

Introduction

The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home opened in September 2016 and since then we have supported more than 6000 animals through our Rehoming and Welfare Services. As the leading animal rescue charity in Gloucestershire, we care for hundreds of abandoned, abused and neglected animals each year and find them loving new families. We provide low cost veterinary schemes to families and their pets to ensure that no animal goes without veterinary treatment due to financial restrictions.

We are a small and friendly team who thrive on a passion for Animal Welfare and providing outstanding care to all our service users, especially our animals. We know that our charity is defined by our people and we are dedicated to investing in our employee's long-term career development and success, equipping our team with all the tools to develop professionally.

Summary

Our vision and aspiration for the animal centre is that it is exemplar. As a Registered Veterinary Nurse, your role will be instrumental in providing compassionate, empathetic nursing care to resident animals and our wider community. Your expertise and caring approach will play a vital role to ensure the wellbeing and health of the animals under our care. You will be passionate about delivering exceptional care to our patients and offering guidance to our clients, adopters and wider community.

As a key member of the Care Team, the post-holder will be forward thinking, engaging and inspiring.

Key Objectives & Responsibilities

The purpose of the role is to deliver a high standard of nursing care to our patients whilst supporting CDCH in meeting our charitable objectives.

Compassionate Patient Care:

Provide gentle and compassionate handling of animals to alleviate stress and promote trust.

Conduct thorough health assessments and monitor the wellbeing of shelter animals.

Administer medications, vaccinations, and treatments with a focus on reducing fear and anxiety.

Advocacy and Education:

Advocate for the needs and welfare of shelter animals within the team and with external stakeholders.

Educate shelter staff and volunteers on proper handling, stress reduction techniques, and animal welfare best practices.

End-of-Life Care and Compassionate Euthanasia:

Offer support and empathy in end-of-life care decisions, ensuring animals are treated with dignity and respect.

Perform euthanasia procedures with compassion and sensitivity in consultation with veterinarians and the care team.

Qualifications and Skills:

Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification with a strong background in animal care.

A deep passion for animal welfare and a strong commitment to providing compassionate care.

Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey empathy and support to animals and team members.

Ability to collaborate on the development of treatment plans and provide updates on animal's health.

Knowledge of animal behaviour and techniques to reduce stress in shelter environments.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team and foster a positive, caring atmosphere.

Proficiency in accurate and compliant record-keeping and documentation including the development of the drug stock system.

Exceptional standards of cleanliness, taking pride in our veterinary facilities.

Facilitate Nurse Clinics to support our Welfare activities.

Play a key role in the development of our Welfare offering across our area.

Responsible for ensuring that all regulatory and compliance requirements are met for the operations of our Veterinary functions.

Oversee the regular maintenance and service of our veterinary equipment.

Working Conditions:

This role involves working in a shelter environment, potentially dealing with emotionally challenging situations.

Some travel required to deliver our community outreach programs at various locations across our area.

Flexibility in working hours will be required to ensure continuous care for shelter animals and delivery of our welfare services.

Your commitment to CDCH

Boundaries and behaviours:Observe professional integrity in relationships with staff, clients and other partner agencies.

Health & Safety: Be responsible for your health and safety and that of colleagues.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Be committed to helping to build an organisation that respects and values the diversity of all.

Confidentiality:Treat all information acquired through the course of your employment as confidential and comply with all the appropriate policies, systems and procedures.

Benefits

Contributary pension
Annual CPD allowance

5 days CPD pro-rata

RCVS registration fees covered by the charity

28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro-rata) Pet Plan insurance discount Discount in CDCH charity shops No out of hour/on call requirement

Closing date

: Friday 29th August 2025

Please complete an application form and send along with your CV and covering letter to:Amy.Souster@cdch.org.uk

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 27,610.00 per year

Benefits:

Free parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person