Animal Care Assistant (ACA)/ Front of House

Village Vets; Cork; On-site; EUR 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Village Vets in Cork is seeking a receptionist who also supports our veterinary team. You will welcome clients, handle calls, appointments, check-ins and payments while assisting veterinary surgeons and nurses with routine tasks.

The role includes caring for patients, restraining animals safely, maintaining records, and promoting Pet Health Plans. A Level 5 Animal Care Certificate and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in client-facing reception and handling payments.
• Level 5 Animal Care Certificate or higher.
• Minimum 1 year in small animal practice preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow procedures accurately.

Responsibilities

• Greet clients, manage calls, appointments, check-ins and payments to ensure smooth front-of-house operations.
• Manage reception area and support general administrative tasks.
• Assist vets and nurses in day-to-day clinical activities.
• Care for patients and inpatients to high standards.
• Safely handling and restraining animals during examinations and treatments.
• Maintain accurate records of medications, feeding and observations.
• Assist with routine laboratory work under nurse supervision.
• Prepare treatment rooms and equipment.
• Maintain hygiene across clinic, clean equipment and animal areas.
• Restock clinical and medical supplies.
• Promote Pet Health Plans and Pet Insurance to clients.
• Contribute to outstanding client experience through teamwork and professionalism.

Skills

Front-of-house reception

Client communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Animal handling safety

Education

Level 5 Animal Care Certificate

Job description

Location:Village Vets Mahon Point
Reports to:Head Nurse

Schedule: 5 day week and 1 in 3 Saturdays
Salary:29,432 - 31,000 depending on experience

About the Role

This is a role combining some reception work alongside supporting our team of vets and nurses looking after patients in the wards and also before and after surgery.

• Client-facing reception: Welcome clients, manage calls, appointments, check-ins, and payments to ensure a smooth front-of-house experience
• Manage the reception area, and support general administrative tasks.
• Supporting veterinary surgeons and nurses in day-to-day clinical activities
• Caring for patients and inpatients to Village Vets’ high standards
• Safely handling and restraining animals during examinations and treatments
• Monitoring animals for signs of illness or distress and reporting concerns
• Maintaining accurate records of medications, feeding, and patient observations
• Assisting with routine laboratory work under nurse supervision
• Preparing treatment rooms and equipment
• Maintaining excellent hygiene standards across the clinic, including cleaning equipment and animal areas
• Restocking clinical and medical supplies
• Promoting Pet Health Plans and Pet Insurance to clients
• Completing ad hoc veterinary or administrative duties as required
• Contributing to an outstanding client experience through teamwork and professionalism

About You

• You will have a level 5 or above Animal Care Certificate
• Be enthusiastic, reliable, and passionate about animal care.
• Minimum of one years experience in small animal practice (preferred)
• A strong work ethic and a proactive, can-do attitude
• Confidence handling animals safely and compassionately
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures accurately
• Strong communication and teamwork skills