As an Animal Care Assistant at Rathcoole Vets, you will play a key role in the day‑to‑day running of the practice and in the comfort and wellbeing of our patients. This is a hands‑on role where you will support the veterinary team while also helping to create a calm, clean, and caring environment for pets and their owners.

Your responsibilities will include caring for in‑patients, maintaining excellent hygiene standards throughout the clinic, assisting the veterinary team in treatment areas, and supporting front‑of‑house duties such as welcoming clients, answering phones, and booking appointments. You will be an important and trusted presence in the practice, helping everything run smoothly.

 

This role has been created with career development firmly in mind. To be eligible for progression into the part‑time Veterinary Nursing course in Athlone, candidates must already have a minimum of a couple of years’ experience working as an Animal Care Assistant.

For candidates who meet this requirement and demonstrate the right attitude, commitment, and aptitude, we are delighted to offer fully funded Veterinary Nurse education alongside continued employment and on‑the‑job training. This is a genuine opportunity to progress from ACA to Veterinary Nurse within a supportive and experienced team.

You will work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 6pm, with Wednesdays off every week. On Saturdays, hours are 9am to 2pm.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

Passionate about animal welfare and patient care

Calm, compassionate, and professional — even in emotional situations

Reliable, trustworthy, and a strong team player

Organised, tidy, and proud of maintaining high standards

Confident communicating with both clients and colleagues

Qualifications & Experience

A QQI or similar qualification in Animal Care

Previous experience in animal care or a veterinary setting is highly desirable

An interest in progressing to Veterinary Nursing is a huge plus

 

Rathcoole Vets is a busy first‑opinion small animal practice based in South Dublin. We provide modern, high‑quality veterinary care using up‑to‑date equipment including digital radiography, ultrasound, and a fully equipped in‑house laboratory.

We are under new management and have a sister branch in Celbridge, Co Kildare offering further hospital support and referral work. Our Rathcoole team is friendly, supportive, and proud of the relaxed and positive working environment we have built.

 

Benefits (Subject to Pro Rata)

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

Leave: Annual Leave, Birthday Leave, Paid Maternity, Paternity, Bereavement, & Sick Leave

Wellbeing: Cycle to Work Scheme, EAP Access, Free Flu Jabs, Discounts off popular retailers, & Access to Company Programmes (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