Veterinary Care Assistant Apprenticeship

A Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) supports veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and the wider clinical team in providing safe, compassionate care to animals. The role involves assisting with the day-to-day care of patients, maintaining a clean and hygienic clinical environment, and helping the practice operate efficiently.

What you'll do

• Assist vets and vet nurses with examination, procedures and safe handling and restraint of patients
• Provide general care and support to animals whilst they are in the practice, including feeding, exercising, cleaning and monitoring
• Prepare consult rooms/treatment areas/kennels
• Clean and disinfect clinical areas/equipment/kennels
• Some reception duties - answering the phone/booking appointments/taking payments
• Monitor animals for changes in behaviour, appetite, comfort, or general condition and report concerns promptly to the veterinary team
• Assist with the preparation and movement of patients before and after procedures
• Handle animals calmly and safely, prioritising their welfare and reducing stress wherever possible
• Maintain appropriate records and assist with administrative and reception duties when required
• Stock and organise clinical supplies and report when items need to be replenished
• Follow health and safety, infection-control, animal-welfare, and practice policies at all times
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients regarding the care of their animals, referring clinical questions to the appropriate veterinary professional
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary veterinary team

Training

One college day of learning at The College of Animal Welfare Leeds centre. The rest of the working week will take place working at Paws & Co Group.

After the apprenticeship

You will become qualified as a veterinary care assistant and will gain employment in this sector.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Genuine interest in field
• Compassionate
• Patient
• Confident handling animals
• Reliable
• Able to work in busy workplace
• Willing to follow procedures
• Physically capable
• Composure in situations
• Willing to learn
• Willing to develop skills
• Professional
• Commitment to animal welfare

Qualifications

• Desired: Relevant qualifications, Animal Care (grade Pass)
• Desired: Relevant qualifications, Veterinary Care (grade Pass)

About the employer

First opinion Veterinary Centre.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2), Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: THE COLLEGE OF ANIMAL WELFARE LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year 2 Months
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Varying shift patterns throughout the week.
• Start date: 17 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 to £26,436.80 a year