Breeding Programme Assistant – Cork
We’re working with a leading organisation in Cork that is looking for a Breeding Programme Assistant to support the efficient and sustainable day-to-day running of their Breeding Programme. This is a varied role that blends hands-on animal care with people management, administration, and planning, ensuring the breeding colony is effectively monitored, managed, and healthy.
The Role
The postholder will play a vital part in maintaining high welfare standards, while also supporting and guiding volunteers involved in the programme. You will be actively involved with matings and whelpings and accountable for the health of puppies and breeding dogs in your care.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the day-to-day running of the Breeding Programme, including safe transport of dogs to veterinary clinics, monitoring pregnant stock, assisting volunteers with whelpings, caring for pups-in-the-nest, and ensuring successful socialisation experiences.
- Recruit, train, and manage volunteers across the programme.
- Plan and complete dog movements and transportation to meet production and welfare needs.
- Maintain accurate and timely records on animals and volunteers.
- Provide feedback to the Breeding Manager on puppy health, behaviour, and welfare to support continuous improvements.
- Ensure all scheduled health checks are carried out with breeding dogs and puppies.
- Provide practical medical care and advice to volunteers (e.g. during whelpings, vaccinations, general puppy health).
- Communicate with stakeholders such as puppy raisers, breed stockholders, and external breeders regarding dog and puppy outcomes.
- Plan and facilitate socialisation placements, monitor outcomes, and support temperament assessments.
- Investigate issues with breeding dogs promptly and escalate when needed.
- Work with external stakeholders when sourcing or supplying puppies/dogs, or when sharing genetic material and data.
- Manage resources to maintain stock supplies and minimise waste.
- Be available for travel across Ireland (and occasionally internationally) to collect or transport puppies and dogs.
- Contribute ideas for improvement and collaborate on wider objectives such as rehoming and animal welfare.
What’s on Offer
- Salary €36,000–€38,000 DOE, with flexibility for the right candidate
- Standard Monday–Friday hours (9am–5pm)
- Weekend work only when required for occasional whelps, with time off in lieu
- Overtime above 37.5 hours also given back as time off in lieu
- Work with a supportive, passionate team making a meaningful difference
The Ideal Candidate
- Must be from a veterinary nursing background and registered with the VCI
- Strong people skills — able to communicate clearly and support volunteers
- Highly organised with good attention to detail for admin and record-keeping
- Confident explaining processes and guiding others
- Flexible and proactive, happy to travel when needed
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to combine clinical knowledge with people skills in a role that has a real impact. You’ll be part of a supportive organisation that values collaboration, compassion, and the highest welfare standards.
How to Apply - If this sounds like your kind of role, send your CV today and we’ll be in touch to discuss next steps. Or email Sophie directly at sophie@lloydandcowan.com.