Animal Care Assistant (2563)

We're on the lookout for a passionate Animal Care Assistant to join our dedicated team at the RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre, near Middlesbrough.

Every animal that comes through our gates has a story - most are abandoned, abused or neglected. From cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries to farm animals, we care for them all. On any given day, we can be looking after 150+ animals, each one getting the love, attention and rehabilitation they deserve.

Shift pattern: 08:30–16:30, including every other weekend.

Are you one of our kind?

This is your chance to make a real difference as part of the UK's largest animal welfare charity.

As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of our mission helping rescued animals recover, rebuild trust and find their forever homes.

Your day will include:

• You'll start your day cleaning by  the enclosures of our intakes, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species, as well as feeding, watering, grooming and exercising them.

• You'll ensure the highest standards of welfare, and will monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health.

• You will also administer medication or treatment prescribed by a Vet and implement behaviour modification programmes with guidance from our Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team.

• Working with adopters to match animals to the right homes, and offering post-adoption support.

No two days are the same, it's hands-on, rewarding and sometimes tough, but always worth it!

• Experience working with animals, particularly dogs, in a professional or voluntary capacity (not as a pet owner). We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience of dog grooming, working in a private boarding kennel or as an animal carer for another charity or company.
• Resilience - some of our animals have been through trauma, and need patience and compassion.
• Practicality - you'll be outdoors in all weathers, mucking in as part of the team.
• Communication skills - working with colleagues, volunteers and the public is a big part of the role.
• Adaptability - animal care can be unpredictable, so you'll need to stay calm under pressure
• IT confidence - you'll use digital records to track each animal's journey.
• Transport - We are located in a rural area with limited public transport. It is therefore important you have your own means of transport to travel to and from work.

Desirable:

• Animal care qualifications
• Driving licence

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles may need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK  as we are unable to sponsor visas

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications, in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities, as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk/ 0300 123 0685.