Job Description

We're looking for a caring and motivated Animal Care Assistant to join our busy small animal practice here at Forest Lodge. If you're passionate about animal welfare and want to be part of a supportive, dedicated team, we'd love to hear from you.
While animal care qualifications are an advantage, they're not essential. What matters most is enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a genuine love for animals.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside our experienced vets and nurses, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of animal care. Your day-to-day duties will include assisting with in-patient care, supporting the clinical team, and providing reception cover when needed.

If you're ready to make a real difference to the lives of pets and their owners, join us at Forest Lodge and become part of our compassionate, hard-working team.

Why join us?

We're a supportive, close-knit team working in a well-equipped and forward-thinking practice. We're proud to be an RCVS-accredited first opinion practice and have a strong reputation in the community. You'll be working alongside a team of 4 full-time-equivalent vets with special interests in dermatology, internal medicine, emergency care, and imaging. We actively support professional growth, and certificate studies are encouraged.

Where you'll find us

We're based in New Milton, right in the heart of the beautiful New Forest, and close to Bournemouth, Southampton, and stunning local beaches. It's a great place to work and an even better place to live!

Your shift pattern



Your schedule will consist of 40 hours per week, worked over five days, with each shift being eight hours long.



In addition to a competitive salary, you will benefit from:6.6 weeks annual leave Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be added to your holiday allowance Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/ paternity/ adoption/ shared parental and surrogacy pay Cycle to work scheme Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing Non-accidental injury support Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers Pension scheme Discounted staff pet care

Up to 25,485.71 DOE