Animal Care Assistant (2912)

The RSPCA Newport Animal Centre, located in Newport, South Wales, is a vital hub for caring for a variety of domestic animals. Situated conveniently near the M4, the centre plays a crucial role in the welfare of animals in the region. 

Despite being a smaller facility, it provides compassionate care for dogs and cats. The dedicated staff at the centre work tirelessly to ensure the well-being and happiness of these animals while they await their forever homes.

Visit our social media pages to find out more about life at the centre:

RSPCA Newport Facebook

RSPCA Newport Instagram

You will work an 08:30–16:30 shift pattern on a four-week rolling roster, which involves working two full weekends in a row, followed by one weekend off and one half-weekend worked.

Our recruitment journey - key dates for you to note: 

We believe in transparency and a stress-free experience. Here is a quick look at what you can expect.

1. Application

You'll be asked a few targeted questions designed to help us understand your experience, unique skills, and future potential. This is your first chance to stand out!

2. Panel Interview & Site Visit - w/c 23rd March

If your application hits the mark, we'll invite you to meet us in person. You'll sit down with the Hiring Manager and our Deputy Manager for a competency based interview and a tour of the site. We'll also be asking some scenario based questions on animal handling and would welcome your thoughts and discussion on the content. This stage is designed for you to:

• Explore the Role: Get a feel for the team culture and the real-world impact you'll be making.
• Demonstrate Your Strengths: Show us how you work in a supportive, relaxed environment.

Whilst working as an Animal Care Assistant, you'll start your day by cleaning and maintaining animal accommodation. It can be hard work, but very satisfying knowing the animals are comfortable when you are finished!

You'll also provide direct care for animals, which includes feeding, grooming, administering medication, as well as providing exercise and following behaviour modification plans where relevant. This hands-on care is critical for the physical and emotional health of the animals, many of whom may have come from challenging backgrounds. Our ultimate goal is to rehabilitate and rehome animals that have been victims of cruelty and neglect.

In addition to animal care, you'll occasionally assist at reception, handling various administrative and operational tasks while communicating effectively with colleagues, volunteers, and the public to help keep the centre running smoothly. Given the nature of our work, some conversations may be challenging, so we're looking for someone who can navigate these interactions with confidence, empathy, and compassion.

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

Essential

• Experience working with animals in a kennel, animal rescue or welfare environment.
• Knowledge of canine behaviour/rehabilitation.
• Experience in a customer service role, for example in hospitality, retail or reception.
• Resilience - many of the animals in our care have been victims of neglect and/or abuse and cruelty. 
• Willing to undertake practical work outdoors in all weather (practical work subject to reasonable adjustments if required).
• Excellent communication and team working skills - you'll be working with colleagues across the RSPCA, volunteers and members of the public.
• Able to multitask and work under pressure - working with animals can be busy and unpredictable! 
• Comfortable with using IT - you'll be keeping computerised records on the animals under your care. 

Desirable

• Hold a full manual driving licence (subject to reasonable adjustments) - our staff are sometimes asked to drive RSPCA vehicles to undertake aspects of the role, for example Vet visits.
• A qualification in animal care.

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

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed  to our 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. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family! 

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

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respec