Job Description

Fractional Pet Support Aide

£13.20 hourly plus rewards

Firm Overview

Vets Now stands as the premier British specialist in urgent veterinary medicine, supporting more than 1,700 partner practices via a network of over 60 night-and-weekend clinics and two round-the-clock trauma centers. Become a member of our Reading medical staff and help deliver the essential emergency and intensive care solutions we provide.

Primary Duties

In your capacity as a Pet Support Aide at Vets Now, you will fulfill a vital function by assisting our medical groups in maintaining a tranquil and low-tension residential ward while navigating high-volume periods in an urgent care facility. Your duties will encompass:

Operating under the direct supervision of Registered Veterinary Nurses and Surgeons.
Restraining animals for fundamental clinical tasks and helping facilitate laboratory tests.
Supporting the preparation and sanitization of operating rooms for surgical interventions.
Confirming that all residential animals receive attention for their fundamental dietary and hygiene requirements.

Schedule Layout

Cycle 1: Wednesday and Thursday between 19:00 and 00:00

Cycle 2: Wednesday and Thursday between 19:00 and 00:00

Cycle 3: Wednesday and Thursday between 19:00 and 00:00

Cycle 4: Wednesday from 19:00 to 00:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 21:00

Additionally, an equitable portion of public holidays.

Why Choose Vets Now?

7 weeks of vacation time (calculated pro rata)
Your birth date as a compensated day of rest
Medical Expense Scheme through Simply Health
Vets Now For You – a digital portal offering rebates and savings with numerous merchants
£780 professional education budget (pro rata)
10 hours of compensated learning time each year (pro rata)
Inclusive family initiatives including enhanced pay for illness and parental leave
Standard UK retirement contributions – 5% Staff/3% Firm
Discounts reaching 50% for personal animal healthcare
Compensated days for community service
Life assurance benefit totaling double the annual wage

We encourage submissions from individuals of every origin, including those from varied and underrepresented communities. As a participant in the Disability Confident scheme, we encourage applicants with impairments or health issues to apply and are dedicated to making necessary accommodations during the hiring phase.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	Vets Now
Location	Reading, United Kingdom
Locality	Berkshire
Country	United Kingdom
City	Reading
Region	South East
Job Type	Part-time and Contractor
Salaries	£13.20 per hour
Experience Level	Entry Level / Assistant
Travel	None
Language	English
Benefits	7 weeks holiday, CPD allowance, Health Plan, Pet care discount

Skills & Competency Table

Skill	Competency Level
Animal Handling	Advanced
Clinical Assistance	Proficient
Diagnostic Support	Intermediate
Husbandry & Care	Expert
Theatre Preparation	Proficient
Stress Management	Advanced

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Annual Salary	Bonus	Total Compensation	Notes
£10,000 – £12,000	CPD Allowance	£13.20/hr + Benefits	Estimate based on the 4-week shift rotation provided.

Job Summary

This part-time role in Reading involves supporting a fast-paced emergency veterinary clinic. You will assist clinicians with patient handling, diagnostic tests, and surgical prep while ensuring animal comfort. Working mostly evenings and some weekends, it’s a vital role for those passionate about providing high-quality emergency and critical care.

FAQs

What is the hourly pay for this role? The position pays £13.20 per hour, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

What are the typical working hours? The role follows a 4-week rotation, primarily involving evening shifts (19:00–00:00) and one long Sunday shift.

Do I need a veterinary nursing degree? No, this is an assistant role where you work under the guidance of nurses and surgeons.

What kind of benefits are offered? Benefits include 7 weeks of holiday (pro rata), a cash health plan, and 50% off pet care.

Does this role involve bank holiday work? Yes, the team shares bank holiday shifts fairly among all staff members.

Expert Analysis

Vets Now dominates the UK’s out-of-hours veterinary market. In 2026, a £13.20 hourly rate for an assistant role is highly competitive, especially with a 7-week holiday entitlement. The focus on emergency care provides a high-intensity learning environment that is vastly different from standard daytime general practice.

Location & Logistics Guide

The Reading clinic serves a large portion of Berkshire during out-of-hours. Because shifts end at midnight or involve Sundays, reliable personal transport is highly recommended, as public transport options in Reading can be limited during these specific times. The clinic is centrally located to serve regional emergency needs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading,_Berkshire

Career Path

An Animal Care Assistant at Vets Now often moves into a Student Veterinary Nurse (SVN) position. Given the generous CPD (Continuing Professional Development) allowance of £780, the company actively encourages staff to pursue formal certifications, potentially leading to a career as a Registered Veterinary Nurse specializing in emergency care.

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