Animal Care Assistant (Small Animal)

As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of the hospital, helping to ensure our patients are comfortable, safe and receiving the very best care throughout their stay.

Working closely with our veterinary surgeons and nurses, you'll assist with the day-to-day care of hospitalised patients, including feeding, walking, monitoring and handling animals in a calm and compassionate manner. You'll play an essential role in maintaining exceptionally high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the hospital, ensuring kennels, clinical areas and equipment are clean, safe and ready for use.

You'll also support the wider team with general hospital duties, patient observations and record keeping, while occasionally assisting with reception and client-facing tasks to help ensure a welcoming experience for pet owners visiting the practice.

This is a varied position that combines animal care, teamwork, organisation and client support, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience within a professional veterinary environment.

 

 

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking someone with a genuine passion for animal welfare and a desire to build a career working with animals.

A QQI qualification in Animal Care, Animal Science or a related discipline is essential for this position. While previous experience in a veterinary practice, kennels, cattery, rescue centre or animal care setting would be advantageous, it is not a requirement. This is an entry-level opportunity, and we are equally interested in candidates who bring a positive attitude, willingness to learn and strong work ethic.

The successful candidate will be calm under pressure, well organised, reliable and capable of working both independently and as part of a busy team. Above all, you'll care deeply about animal welfare and take pride in supporting patients, clients and colleagues alike.

 

 

Why Join Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital?

Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital is one of Ireland's most established and respected veterinary referral centres, offering an exceptional range of services and expertise under one roof.

Our hospital provides routine and advanced veterinary care including surgery, orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging, CT, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, hospitalisation and a dedicated 24-hour emergency service. Joining Sunbeam means becoming part of a highly skilled and supportive team where learning and development are encouraged every day.

You'll work alongside experienced clinicians and nurses, including certificate holders across a range of disciplines such as Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Exotics and Neurology. It's a fantastic environment for anyone looking to expand their knowledge, gain valuable clinical exposure and build a long-term career within the veterinary profession.

 

 

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and future career.

Our benefits package includes annual leave, birthday leave, paid maternity, paternity, bereavement and sick leave, alongside access to wellbeing initiatives such as our Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, retail discounts, free flu vaccinations and company-wide wellbeing programmes.

We're also committed to supporting career growth through structured development opportunities, annual pay reviews, career progression pathways and access to our Leadership Academy. Additional benefits include pension contributions and discounted veterinary fees for your own pets.

Benefits are subject to pro-rata entitlement where applicable.

 

 

Join Our Team

This is more than just an Animal Care Assistant role. It's an opportunity to join a respected referral hospital, work alongside an exceptional team, and build valuable experience in a profession dedicated to improving the lives of animals every day.

If you're looking for a rewarding, hands-on role where you'll learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and start your journey with Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital.