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Customer Service

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Subject Introduction

The College of Animal Welfare offers both level 2 and 3 customer service courses (City & Guilds accredited and apprenticeships). Our courses are work-based with tutor support, so no attendance at college is required and they can be started at any time!

Subject Overview

Good customer service is the backbone of any business and never has this been more important with the rapid increase in online communities and reviews. Customers nowadays expect and demand first-class service; without this they are likely to take their custom elsewhere.

For those working in the animal care and veterinary industry it can be a tough job as client emotions run high. The rising costs of living, coupled with the increases in vet bills, are adding to this by putting extra stress on pet owners; and usually this frustration is received by the reception team. As such, it is important to understand how to deal with difficult situations and how to help prevent them in the first place, to make sure that clients get consistent messaging but also to protect your own wellbeing.

When customer service standards are high it provides huge reassurance to clients that their animals will be provided with the very best of care, ensuring they return time and time again and recommend your organisation to others.

Why choose to study at The College of Animal Welfare?

  • Regulated and respected
    Our leadership and management qualifications are Ofqual regulated and our college has been rated as a Good provider by Ofsted (July 2022). In addition, our Matrix accreditation underscores our commitment to delivering first quality information, advice and guidance to ensure that you choose the course that is right for you and your future ambitions.
  • Increase your job prospects
    Job prospects on completion of a customer service qualification are excellent. Employers understand the value of work-based training and apprenticeships; recognising the extensive practical experience in the workplace you will have gained alongside the qualification.
  • Experienced and supportive tutors
    We are proud of the fact that our tutors and assessors have significant industry experience and knowledge. We want to ensure that you gain, not only a customer service qualification, but develop the skills and confidence to succeed in the workplace.

Course Options

Career Opportunities

Completing a nationally recognised qualification in customer service will increase your confidence in dealing with and communicating with all types of clients. Customer service jobs are available across all types of organisations so job opportunities are vast.

Once qualified, you may wish to look at other related qualifications such as our leadership and management courses accredited by the ILM. These qualifications could further prepare you for a more senior role such as customer service manager.

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Apprenticeships

Work-based & Online Qualifications

CPD & Short Courses

Qualifications

Team Leader/Supervisor Level 3 ApprenticeshipIf you have just stepped into your first management job in practice, or are looking to learn new management skills, the Team Leader / Supervisor Level 3 Apprenticeship could be for you!Find out moreLearning and Skills Mentor Level 4 ApprenticeshipA qualification ideal for those in a role where they support others to develop themselves.Find out moreOperations/Departmental Manager Level 5 ApprenticeshipIf you have some experience of managing a team, but are looking for formal training to enhance your leadership skills, the Operations / Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship programme could be for you!Find out moreLevel 5 Coaching Professional ApprenticeshipA qualification ideal for those who wish to develop their skills in coaching and mentoring.Find out moreLevel 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management (ILM)ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management; Develop your leadership and management skills, and learn how to become an effective manager and leader!Find out moreLevel 3 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring (ILM)ILM coaching qualification ideal for clinical coaches, veterinary care assistant mentors and anyone involved in the coaching and supporting of staff in the workplace.Find out moreLevel 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management (ILM)Our ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management course, can help you enhance your management skills and leadership qualities.Find out moreLevel 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring (ILM)Learn how to influence, guide and develop students in the workplace. Online learning. Regular tutorial support from qualified staff.Find out more

CPD Courses

Difficult Clients - where do we start to REALLY change things?Online£30 (£25 exc. VAT)

Anne-Marie Svendsen Aylott Cand.Med.Vet, MRCVS, NLP Master Practitioner, Leadership coach and trainer, PurpleCat Coaching Ltd | VRC2023

40 minute video - Certificated at 1 hour of CPD

The foundation of all really good communication is what is known as Emotional Intelligence Skills. These are skills that are rarely taught, yet make all the difference, not just in how we come across to others, but to our own internal peace and happiness.

We will look at the components of these skills and how to get started on the journey. The focus will be the inevitable situation where we have to deal with a difficult client.

Find out more
Supporting Bereaved Pet OwnersOnline£30 (£25 exc. VAT)

Diane James, Blue Cross For Pets | VRC2023

40 minute video - Certificated at 1 hour of CPD

An introduction for front-of-house and customer-facing members of staff who have contact with bereaved owners.

Pet loss is tough at any time but during these added times of hardship, it can be even tougher for owners to cope. Lives are transformed by the love and companionship pets bring so saying goodbye, whether due to death or separation, is always sad, difficult, and often traumatic. It affects people in many ways so providing the best practice support techniques and tools can really make a difference to bereaved owners.

During this session, we will cover the different types of loss, how to offer emotional support, empathy vs sympathy, and how to support yourself and the importance of self-care.

Find out more
Talking to Clients about MoneyOnline£30 (£25 exc. VAT)

Hannah Perrin BSc MA PGCHE PGDipHE PhD FHEA, Veterinary Management Group (VMG) | VRC2023

40 minute video - Certificated at 1 hour of CPD

Having conversations about money can be one of the most challenging areas of working a veterinary front desk. Situations can be emotional, you’re busy, there’s 100 demands on your time and the phone keeps ringing. How do you ensure that payment protocols are followed? How do you distinguish between can’t pay and won’t pay? How do you ensure that everyone can do their best for the animals under your care – while generating enough income to keep the business afloat?

In this session we will explore a range of practical techniques you can use to help those client conversations run smoothly and positively, ensuring that your clients are happy – and your bills get paid.

Find out more
Top Tips for Pur...fect CommunicationOnline£30 (£25 exc. VAT)

Karen Froud-Murray VN FISM AdcertCIM, Vital Spark Training Consultants Ltd | VRC2023

35 minute video - Certificated at 1 hour of CPD

As a receptionist, you are the first and last person the client sees and speaks to; whether that’s in person, or on the phone. You are dealing with everything from the excitement of the arrival of new fur babies in the family, to end of life care with empathy and compassion, which requires many vital skills.

This presentation will share 10 top communication tips, covering topics such as: Body language (both face to face and the phone), developing rapport and using empathy, excellent questioning and listening, relaying accurate messages, dos and don’ts of tone & words and also start to understand your own communication style.

Karen is a former veterinary nurse, who has spent time working on the reception desk. Learn some new ideas and refresh some old ones - you will be sure to leave with practical tips to engage “purrfectly” with your clients.

Find out more