Animal Care Assistant (3204)

We're on the lookout for a passionate Animal Care Assistant to join our dedicated team at the West Hatch Animal Centre.

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: 35 hours per week (8:30am - 5pm) on a 12 week rolling rota that includes 2 weekends out of 4.

Are you one of our kind?

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 - 9th & 10th June

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.

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!

Essential

• 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 working in a similar setting.
• 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
• Handling of challenging dogs

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 as we are unable to sponsor visas.

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

Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion. Our purpose is to inspire everyone to create a better world for animals. 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 purpose.  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! 

We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.