We are looking for a friendly, organised and reliable person to join our team in a dual-role position as Animal Care Assistant (ACA) and Front of House (FOH).

Responsibilities include welcoming clients and their pets, answering telephone calls and emails, managing appointments, handling general administrative tasks and supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the clinic.

You will also assist the veterinary and nursing team with the daily care of our patients, including feeding and walking animals as required, cleaning and disinfecting kennels and clinical areas, doing laundry and maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic environment.

You will be joining a team of three veterinary surgeons, two veterinary nurses, one student veterinary nurse and one veterinary care assistant. We have a friendly, supportive working environment where teamwork and communication are important.

Our ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organisational skills, a genuine interest in animal welfare, a compassionate and professional manner, and the ability to multitask and work well as part of a team in a busy clinical environment. Previous experience in reception, customer service, administration or animal care would be an advantage, but it is not essential, as we are happy to provide training to the right candidate!

The position involves working five days per week on a rotating shift pattern (9:00 am–5:00 pm or 11:00 am–7:00 pm), plus one Saturday in every three from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. And 1 in 3 Sundays in our Ashbourne clinic.

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

• A commitment to high standards of animal welfare and client care

• Flexibility and willingness to assist with both clinical and reception duties

• A friendly, professional manner with clients and colleagues