Animal Care Assistant

IVC Evidensia Group; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cycle to Work

EAP Access

Free Flu Jabs

Staff Discounts

Pension Contributions

Staff Pet Fees Discount

Job summary

Ark Vetcare Dun Laoghaire is seeking a compassionate Animal Care Assistant to join our busy small animal practice. You’ll work closely with our veterinary team to maintain clean patient areas, care for animals, and contribute to a warm, professional service for pet owners.

This hands-on role combines practical animal care with client interaction across five days per week, with occasional Saturday rota and bank holiday coverage, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and ongoing learning.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential for success in this role.
• Applicants must hold a QQI qualification in Animal Care (or an equivalent recognised qualification).
• Experience in veterinary or animal care environments is beneficial but not essential; newly qualified candidates are welcome.

Responsibilities

• Maintain clean and comfortable patient areas and assist with patient care.
• Feed and exercise animals and prepare clinical areas.
• Assist with reception duties, welcoming clients and managing appointments.
• Provide a warm, professional service to pet owners and their companions.
• Support the wider team with general housekeeping duties.

Skills

Communication skills

Reliability

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Compassion

Education

QQI qualification in Animal Care

Job description

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for an opportunity to build your career in a supportive veterinary environment?

Ark Vetcare Dun Laoghaire is seeking a compassionate and enthusiastic Animal Care Assistant to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a busy, progressive small animal practice where every day brings something different. You'll play an important role in caring for our patients, supporting our clinical team, and helping create an exceptional experience for pet owners and their beloved companions.

About the Role

As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of the day-to-day running of the clinic. Working closely with our veterinary surgeons, nurses, and support team, you'll help ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care from the moment they arrive until they return home.

Your responsibilities will include maintaining clean and comfortable patient areas, feeding and exercising animals, assisting with patient care, preparing clinical areas, and supporting the wider team with general housekeeping duties. You'll also have the opportunity to assist with reception duties, welcoming clients, answering calls, managing appointments, and providing a warm, professional service to pet owners.

This is a hands-on role that combines practical animal care with client interaction, making it ideal for someone who enjoys variety and thrives in a busy veterinary setting.

Working Hours

This is a full-time permanent position working across five days per week.

The rota includes two evening shifts each week, typically Wednesday and Friday from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Remaining shifts vary and generally start at 7:30am, with finishing times dependent on the rota requirements.

The role also includes participation in a Saturday rota, working one in every four Saturdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm.

There are no Sunday shifts and no out-of-hours requirements. You will be required to work one Bank Holiday Monday per calendar year. A 30-minute unpaid lunch break is included each working day.

Our Practice

Ark Vetcare Dún Laoghaire is a busy, six-vet, five-nurse small animal practice that prides itself on delivering excellent clinical care and outstanding client service.

The practice is equipped with modern diagnostic and monitoring equipment, including digital radiography, ultrasound, and multi-parameter monitoring systems, enabling us to provide a high standard of care to our patients.

Our veterinary team includes two Veterinary Surgeons holding certificates in Internal Medicine, while one of our Veterinary Nurses has achieved a certificate in Surgical Nursing. This creates an excellent learning environment for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and develop new skills.

We work closely as a team, supporting one another while striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Gold standard patient care sits at the heart of everything we do.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone with a genuine passion for animals and a positive, proactive attitude. You'll be someone who enjoys working with people as much as pets, takes pride in maintaining high standards, and remains calm and compassionate in a busy clinical environment.

Strong communication skills, reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively are all essential qualities for success in this role.

Applicants must hold a QQI qualification in Animal Care (or an equivalent recognised qualification).

Experience

Previous experience working in a veterinary practice, animal care environment, kennel, rescue centre, or similar setting would be advantageous, but it is not essential. We welcome applications from newly qualified candidates who are eager to begin their career in veterinary care.

Benefits (Subject to Pro Rata)

We offer a competitive salary along with great benefits, including:

Wellbeing: Cycle to Work Scheme, EAP Access, Free Flu Jabs, Discounts (Retail & Virtual Gym), & Access to Company Programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing, etc.)

Financial Support: Employer Pension Contributions, Discounted Staff Pet Veterinary Fees

Why Join Us

At Ark Vetcare Dún Laoghaire, we combine high clinical standards with a genuinely supportive and friendly team culture. We value enthusiasm, teamwork and a willingness to learn, and we are committed to helping every member of our team reach their full potential.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a busy and progressive small animal practice where you will gain hands-on experience across all areas while working alongside experienced veterinary professionals who are passionate about supporting you.

Ark Vetcare - Dun Laoghaire