Busy jobs in West Wickham

We are a busy, well established boarding kennels and cattery. We are currently looking for hardworking, enthusiastic animal lovers to join our team.
Responsibilities include feeding, exercising, cleaning, wellbeing checks, playing with the animals
The ideal applicant would either already have, or be working towards, a Level 3 in an Animal Care, Ex Militry Dog handler

Must be able to handle 40kg plus dogs

This is a 5 day per week position, with flexible days. You will be required to work weekends and bank holidays including Christmas & New Year on a rota system

The successful applicant should have relevant dog handling and animal care qualifications/experience. The job will include all aspects of care including, walking, feeding, cleaning, giving medications, as well as having a good understanding of animal behaviour. You must be confident around all sizes of dogs.

You must be hard working, enthusiastic, and passionate about dogs.

You must be able to work as part of the team, as well as being self-motivated.

You must be physically fit and able to work in all weathers.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview, and may be asked to a full day trial.

To apply for this position, please send a CV and covering letter

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

ROLE SPECIFICS

· 40 Hours per week.

· Monday to Sunday - 0700hrs to 1700hrs – Rostered shift pattern

· 28 days annual leave + additional allowed for birthday.

· Pension scheme available.

· Paid 60-minute break per day.

· Paid overtime (Subject to pre-authorisation).

· Uniform provided.

· Training opportunities available.

· Employee Assistance Program.

DEPARTMENT

LINE MANAGER

SLT MEMBER

Kennel Operations

Kennel Manager

Operations Manager

JOB PURPOSE

To provide high standards of care, welfare, and husbandry for dogs and cats within the care of Farm Kennels Ltd, ensuring all animals are cared for in a safe, clean, and enriching environment while delivering excellent customer service to clients.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

· Provide high standards of daily care for boarded dogs and cats, ensuring their health, safety, comfort, and welfare at all times.

· Safe collection and transport of dogs back and forth to specified locations (e.g. vets)

· Feed animals according to individual dietary requirements and maintain accurate feeding records.

· Clean, disinfect, and maintain kennels, catteries, exercise areas, bedding, feeding equipment, and all animal accommodation to strict hygiene standards.

· Exercise, walk, and supervise dogs in accordance with company procedures and animal temperament assessments.

· Monitor animal behaviour, health, and wellbeing, promptly reporting any signs of illness, injury, stress, or unusual behaviour to management.

· Administer medication and treatments as directed and in accordance with company procedures and veterinary instructions.

· Ensure all animals have access to fresh water, clean bedding, and appropriate enrichment activities.

· Safely handle dogs and cats of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and behavioural needs using approved handling techniques.

· Maintain accurate records relating to feeding, medication, exercise, behaviour, and customer instructions.

· Assist with customer check-ins and check-outs, providing excellent customer service and clear communication with pet owners.

· Follow all health and safety procedures, animal welfare regulations, and company policies at all times.

· Support colleagues in maintaining smooth daily kennel operations, including laundry, stock management, and general housekeeping duties.

· Respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations involving animals, customers, or staff.

· Maintain a clean, professional, and caring environment that promotes positive animal welfare and customer confidence.

The above duties are not exhaustive, and post holders may be required to undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

· Previous experience in handling dogs and cats in a professional capacity.

· Ability to work confidently with animals of various breeds, sizes, temperaments, and behavioral needs.

· Understanding of different breeds, canine and feline awareness

· Ability to remain professional and emotionally resilient when exposed to distressing situations, including veterinary treatment

· Good understanding of animal welfare, hygiene and health and safety standards.

· Ability to follow instruction, policies and procedures.

· Capable of administering medication under instruction of a veterinary surgeon.

· Physically capable of carrying out manual duties which include; cleaning, lifting, walking dogs and being on your feet for extend periods of time.

· Excellent verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work as part of a team as well as lone working where necessary.

· Ability to recognise signs of illness, stress or behavioral issues in animals and to raise such issues accordingly.

· Comfortable working in all weathers.

· Able to drive and holding a full, clean, UK driving license.

· IT / Computer literate.

· Confident in the use of Microsoft Office (word processor, excel, etc.)

· Experience using all forms of safe animal handling equipment and PPE.

· Flexible and proactive approach to duties and shift patterns

· Good written communication skills.

· Knowledge of kennel licensing requirements.

· Willingness to undertake further training and professional development.

· Relevant animal care qualifications.

· Relevant animal behavior qualifications.

· Animal first aid qualification.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Part-time hours: 40 per week

Pay: £13.00-£15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Swanley BR8 8EW: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)

Work Location: In person