Animal Care Assistant

IVC; Dublin; On-site; EUR 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Birthday leave

Maternity leave

Paternity leave

Bereavement leave

Sick leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

EAP Access

Free Flu Jabs

Staff discounts

Job summary

Beechwood Veterinary Clinic in Ranelagh, Dublin, seeks a compassionate Animal Care Assistant for 20 hours per week part-time or 40 hours per week full-time. Start from €14.15+ per hour DOE, with a busy, progressive small animal practice focused on exceptional pet care.

You’ll support the clinical team, care for patients, and assist with reception duties while maintaining high standards in a welcoming environment for pets and owners.

Qualifications

• QQI qualification in Animal Care (or equivalent)
• Experience in veterinary setting is advantageous but not essential
• Strong communication and teamwork are essential

Responsibilities

• Maintain clean and comfortable patient areas
• Feed and exercise animals
• Assist with patient care and prepare clinical areas
• Support with housekeeping and general duties
• Assist with reception tasks: welcome clients, manage appointments, provide warm service

Skills

Animal care passion

Communication skills

Reliability

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

QQI Animal Care qualification

Job description

Animal Care Assistant

Beechwood Veterinary Clinic | Ranelagh, Dublin

Part-Time (20 Hours) or Full-Time (40 Hours) Available

From €14.15+ per hour DOE

Join a Team That Puts Animal Care First

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

Beechwood Veterinary Clinic is seeking a compassionate and enthusiastic Animal Care Assistant to join our growing team. Whether you’re looking for a part-time role of 20 hours per week or a full-time position of 40 hours per week, we can offer flexibility for the right candidate.

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

We are recruiting for either a 20-hour part-time position or a 40-hour full-time position.

Shifts are flexible and will be discussed with successful candidates. Our clinics operate on an early and late shift pattern, with early shifts typically running from 7:30am to 4:00pm and late shifts from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

The role includes participation in a 1 in 2 Saturday rota, with Saturday shifts consisting of a half day only. Time off in lieu is provided for weekend shifts worked.

Importantly, there are no out-of-hours requirements, no Sunday working, and no Bank Holiday commitments, helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Why Beechwood?

Located in the heart of Ranelagh, Beechwood Veterinary Clinic is a thriving and well-equipped small animal practice with excellent transport links via Luas and bus routes.

Our experienced team currently includes two Veterinary Surgeons, a Registered Veterinary Nurse, a Student Veterinary Nurse, and an extensive support team. We are a training practice with a strong focus on professional development and clinical excellence. The clinic offers advanced diagnostic capabilities, including ultrasound, in-house laboratory testing, and a wide range of diagnostic procedures. We are also proud to support further education, with one of our vets currently undertaking a Small Animal Surgery Certificate.

This is a clinic where you’ll be encouraged to learn, develop, and become a valued member of a close-knit team.

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.

Essential Requirement

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)

• Leave:Annual Leave, Birthday Leave, Paid Maternity, Paternity, Bereavement, & Sick Leave
• Wellbeing: Cycle to Work Scheme, EAP Access, Free Flu Jabs, Discounts (Retail & Virtual Gym), & Access to CompanyProgrammes(LGBTQ+, Wellbeing, etc.)
• Career Development: Career Progression, Leadership Academy, Paid Professional Memberships (VCI & VDS), Annual Pay Reviews
• Financial Support: Employer Pension Contributions, Discounted Staff Pet Veterinary Fees

Ready to Apply?

If you’re passionate about animal welfare, enjoy working as part of a supportive team, and want to build your career in a modern veterinary practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Beechwood Veterinary Clinic and help make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners every day.

€14.15 - €14.75 an hour

From €14.15 per hour DOE