Meet Brigid | USPCA Receptionist

Our receptionists are a vital part of the team here at the USPCA, working across all departments including wildlife rescues, veterinary, grooming, rehoming and the Pet Supplies Shop! Say hello to receptionist Brigid:

How long have you been working with the USPCA?

I started at the USPCA in February 2020 just as the pandemic was about to start and was straight into the action – our services were heavily impacted by the Covid-19 restrictions and so, only ‘frontline staff’ like myself, remained at this time to deliver our vital areas of work. It was a fantastic learning experience! It gave me a great insight into how the USPCA operates and the public’s understanding and support of our work.

What drew you towards working for the USPCA?

I was already a client and always enjoyed coming in and looking at the animals and chatting with staff members. I always thought it would be a great place to work and when the job was advertised, I decided no matter what, the job was mine! (Thankfully I was offered the job!) There is huge satisfaction knowing you have played a part, however small, in making animals and their human’s lives better. We had already adopted two lovely cats and the opportunity to be a part of this aspect of the job was very appealing. All of my animals have been rescues and it is something I always encourage!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different and you never know what the day will bring! Once the phones are switched on and the doors open, you just go with the flow. Typically, in the mornings we have the intake for operations - some quite serious and some routine. Making appointments and taking payments is all part of the daily routine. We also welcome clients bringing their cats and dogs in for a groom and help shoppers looking for advice on products. We also receive many calls regarding wildlife and offer advice and assistance. For example, this may be what to do with a baby bird, a seagull with a broken wing, or a seal on the beach. Our training helps us give the correct advice and direct to the correct agency if required.

What is your favourite part of your role as USPCA Receptionist?

I enjoy all aspects of the job – in particular when our harder to home animals finally find their forever home and leave with a spring in their step. I also love when you see the results of owners taking on the advice of our vets or nurses, and you see the change in the animals. Our weight clinics are great evidence of this!

Do you have any pets of your own?

I currently have three cats, two of which are adopted from the USPCA. We had a fourth, Polly, who was also adopted from the USPCA. She went out one evening about three months ago and unfortunately didn’t return – we hope she maybe found a new family. Alex is the brave age of 19, Spidey is 3 and Tribbles is 18 months. We’re very lucky that they all get on together and give us endless joy!

We see many animals enter the USPCA for rehoming, are there any animals that have stuck out in your mind / been a favourite?

It would have to be Saffron – a 12-year-old cat who was with us for quite a while and whom I had also fostered over a period of time. He was such a lovely handsome cat and when one of our volunteers kindly adopted him, I thought he had made it! Sadly, he passed away a short time afterwards following an intensive surgery