Animal Care Assistant / Receptionist

The Firs Veterinary Surgery; England; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Westfield Health

Holiday entitlement

Bonus scheme

Volunteer day

Job summary

Armstrong Vets is seeking an Animal Care Assistant / Receptionist to join our veterinary practice in the UK. The role combines client-facing reception with clinical support, ensuring smooth daily operations and high standards of animal care.

The position is full-time across four weekdays plus 1 in 4 Saturdays, with job shares considered. A genuine passion for animals and strong communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above.
• Experience in customer service or reception preferred.
• Willingness to undertake BVRA Foundation Level Training and Veterinary Care Assistant introductory training.

Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding customer service in person, over the telephone, and via digital channels.
• Welcome clients and their pets with empathy, professionalism and compassion.
• Manage appointments, bookings, payments, and administrative tasks.
• Handle client enquiries and direct clinical questions to the veterinary team.
• Maintain accurate client records and ensure confidentiality.
• Assist with preventative healthcare options and pet health plans.

Skills

Customer service

Animal handling

Communication

Organisation

Teamwork

Full UK driving licence

IT literacy

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

Are you passionate about animal welfare and delivering exceptional customer service? We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic, and organised Animal Care Assistant / Receptionist to join our friendly veterinary practice team.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll be at the heart of both client care and patient care; supporting pet owners, veterinary surgeons, nurses, and their animals every day.

About the Role

As an Animal Care Assistant / Receptionist, you will play a vital role in creating a positive experience for clients while helping to ensure the highest standards of care for our patients. Working across both reception and clinical support duties, you'll help maintain a welcoming environment, assist with animal care, and support the smooth running of the practice alongside our clinical team.

This role is for a full-time position across four weekdays, in addition to 1 in 4 Saturday mornings. Job shares will be considered.

The salary will be around £24,784.50 depending on hours and experience.

Key Responsibilities

Client Care & Reception

• Provide outstanding customer service in person, over the telephone, and through digital communication channels
• Welcome clients and their pets with empathy, professionalism, and compassion
• Manage appointments, bookings, payments, and administrative tasks accurately
• Handle client enquiries and direct clinical questions to the appropriate veterinary team member
• Maintain accurate client records and ensure confidentiality is upheld at all times
• Assist clients in understanding preventative healthcare options, pet health plans, insurance, and practice services
• Support the efficient flow of consultations and appointments

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Assist veterinary surgeons and nurses with the safe handling and restraint of animals
• Prepare consulting rooms, equipment, and clinical areas
• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control
• Support inpatient care, including feeding, cleaning, exercising, and monitoring patients as directed by a veterinary surgeon
• Observe and report changes in patient wellbeing and behaviour
• Assist with basic telephone triage and recognise emergency situations
• Ensure accurate and timely patient record keeping
• Advise on practice worming and vaccination policies

Teamwork & Practice Support

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all areas of the practice
• Contribute to a positive, supportive, and inclusive working environment
• Demonstrate excellent organisation, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Follow all health and safety, infection control, and practice protocols
• Support stock management and responsible use of practice resources

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine love of animals and a commitment to their welfare
• Enjoys building strong relationships with clients and colleagues
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills
• Is calm, compassionate, and professional in challenging situations
• Is reliable, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Works well both independently and as part of a team
• Has strong attention to detail and a positive attitude
• Is keen to learn and develop within a veterinary environment
• Educated to GCSE level to include Maths and English to a C or above grade
• Previous animal handling experience
• Previous experience in a customer service role
• Computer literate and prior experience of working with Microsoft Office Packages, Outlook and Internet
• Confident communicator, both on the telephone and face to face
• Flexible team player
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle insured for business use
• Previous experience in a veterinary, animal care, customer service, or reception environment
• Completion of, or willingness to undertake, BVRA Foundation Level Training and Veterinary Care Assistant introductory training
• Understanding of animal welfare, handling, and basic clinical support duties

What We Offer

• A rewarding role helping animals and supporting their owners
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities with support from experienced colleagues
• Access to continuing professional development; 1 day’s leave and £250 per year (based on a full-time role)
• A positive workplace culture where teamwork and wellbeing are valued; access to Westfield Health which provides cashback for dental, optical and physiotherapy costs, access to a Virtual GP, cashback for flu vaccinations and prescriptions amongst other benefits
• Opportunities to progress within the veterinary profession
• Holiday entitlement of 30 days per year inclusive on Bank Holidays with the opportunity to buy up to 10 extra days of holiday and sell 2 days of holiday (based on a full-time role)
• Discretionary Summer and Christmas bonus scheme for eligible colleagues
• Paid volunteer day to assist at a charity of your choice

So...

If you're passionate about animal care, enjoy helping people, and want to be part of a dedicated veterinary team, we'd love to hear from you.