dog day care jobs

We're on the lookout for a passionate Animal Care Assistant to join our dedicated team at the RSPCA Gonsal Farm 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: 08:30-17:15, including some weekends.

Twice a month 8:15-17:15

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.

• 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!

• Panel Interview & Site Visit

If your application hits the mark, we'll invite you to meet us in person. You'll sit down with the Hiring 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!

• Emotional resilience when working with animals that may have experienced neglect, abuse, or cruelty.
• Emotional resilience when exposed to distressing situations, including euthanasia. While you will not be required to carry out euthanasia, there may be occasions where you are present or involved in related activities (for example, transporting animals). Your behaviour observations in these situations will be considered as part of decision-making processes.
• Willingness to undertake practical outdoor work in all weather conditions (subject to reasonable adjustments where required).
• Strong communication and team-working skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the RSPCA, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a busy and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Confidence using IT systems, including maintaining accurate computerised records for animals in your care.

Desireable

• A qualification in animal behaviour (level 3 and above)
• A full manual driving licence (required for transporting animals between sites).

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.