How to write a vet assistant cover letter (plus examples)

Veterinarian hospitals and clinics rely on various animal health specialists to provide timely care and treatment. These experts frequently hire vet assistants to help them perform their duties in treating wounded or sick animals. With an excellent cover letter, you can create a professional-looking application that might secure you this position. In this article, we define a vet assistant cover letter, explain how to write one and provide examples you can use for inspiration.

What is a vet assistant cover letter?

A vet assistant cover letter is a document that candidates wanting to work in veterinary hospitals attach to the front of their CVs when applying for a position. Vet assistants are specialists who provide care for domestic animals and aid other care professionals. In most cases, they collaborate with veterinarians, technologists and vet nurses in caring for and treating animals. A vet assistant's responsibilities include cleaning, medicating and feeding animals and recording statistics. This position might also help you become a vet nurse.

Applicants write cover letters to demonstrate their interest and show initiative. While a letter may require preparation and involve researching the potential employer and the labour market, applicants have a higher chance of attracting a recruiter's attention. A good cover letter might help an employer determine the best person for the job when several candidates have similar proficiency levels. If you want to work for a veterinary practice or hospital, consider writing a cover letter emphasising your interest and proficiency.

Related: How to become a vet nurse (including duties and skills)

How to write a cover letter for an assistant position in a veterinary clinic

Effectively highlighting your professional strengths in a cover letter can increase your likelihood of finding a job in a veterinary hospital. You can convey your personality by explaining why you want to work for that employer. A clean and professional format is an essential feature of an effective cover letter, so consider creating a template that includes those elements and information appropriate to your application. This layout enables you to maintain consistent formatting and style. Here's a step-by-step guide you can follow to write an effective cover letter for a veterinary assistant position:

1. Provide contact details

You can begin your letter by including your contact details. This information makes it easier for recruiters to find you and arrange an interview. Consider including your full name, phone number, email address and location. If you have an online CV, you can provide a link to it. After providing your contact details, insert the date and the employer's name below.

Related: How to write an open cover letter (with a template)

2. Create a greeting

To draw a hiring manager's attention, greet them using the salutation Dear and follow it with their name. Sometimes employers provide contact information for their recruiting departments in job descriptions or on their websites. These details may include the name of the manager in charge of hiring. If your potential employer doesn't provide such information, you can greet them by writing Dear Hiring Manager. You can also increase your chances of securing the job by using a polite tone throughout your letter.

Related: How to use the best cover letter format (with examples)

3. Write an introductory paragraph

An introductory paragraph allows you to introduce yourself and briefly explain the letter's purpose. Consider including information about your specialisation and listing your work experience. When applying for a vet assistant role, provide details of your most relevant experience, such as a kennel assistant or a kennel technician.

Related: How to write a veterinary nurse personal statement

4. Include your employment history

While some employers may hire vet assistants with a good education but no experience, recruiters generally favour candidates with some work experience. You can improve your cover letter by showing how your previous employment has prepared you for the role. Describe your duties or accomplishments in the animal care industry to help the hiring manager recognise your abilities.

If you're yet to gain experience, focus on describing your role-specific skills and education. If you have general work experience but not in a veterinary clinic, explain how this relates to the role's primary duties, such as preparing or organising clinic spaces, maintaining records, caring for animals and supporting other veterinary staff.

5. Mention relevant skills and certifications

An effective cover letter contains information about your skills and certifications that relate to the field. Conducting preliminary research and identifying what employers are seeking is beneficial. You can find this information by reviewing the job descriptions and researching the websites of potential employers. Use this part of the letter to highlight your professional strengths and to explain how these skills make you the perfect candidate for this role. Mention facts about the company or describe how your values match those of your potential employers.

Related: What are veterinarian CV skills and how do you improve them?

6. Write a conclusion

Conclude your cover letter with a paragraph summarising the information that appears in the previous sections. Explaining why you want to work for a specific employer may be beneficial. You can then positively thank the recruiter for their time and consideration to leave a lasting impression on a potential employer.

You could also call the hiring manager to action. For example, you could encourage them to reach you to organise a job interview or ask further questions, so again including your contact information here is a good option. Finish with Yours sincerely and follow this with your full name and signature.

Related: How much does a veterinary nurse make? (With job duties)

7. Proofread your cover letter

Once you finish writing your cover letter, it's worth proofreading it to ensure your document contains no mistakes and looks professional with a consistent style. As vet assistants frequently work with documentation and record statistics, writing skills and attention to detail are essential. You can demonstrate these two role-specific skills by creating an error-free application.

Vet assistant template cover letter

This template can help you to format your CV:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [Post code]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear Hiring Manager,

[Express excitement for the position including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job and how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your CV]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible]. [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method]

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Vet assistant example cover letter

Consider using this example for guidance when writing your cover letter:

Charlotte Stanton
07123 456789 | charlotte.stanton@email.com | London

1 October 2022

Animal Health Clinic

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing about the vet assistant vacancy that the Animal Health Clinic posted recently. As a specialist with a reputation for detail and empathy, I apply my soft and hard skills to help animals recover from injuries or illnesses.

I believe I'm perfect for the position on offer, having extensive work experience that has enabled me to develop the requisite skills for the role. I've had the pleasure of providing animals with care, bathing them and giving medications and aiding veterinarians during examinations.

Your company appears well-suited for me as I share similar values and principles with your clinic. I recently earned a bachelor's degree in vet technology and am keen to utilise my knowledge and skills.

In conclusion, I consider myself the perfect candidate for this position. Thank you for your time and consideration. I'm happy to answer questions or discuss this role at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,
Charlotte Stanton

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