Job Overview
Kennel Assistant – Hawthorne Kennels
Hawthorne Kennels is looking for a reliable, hardworking and enthusiastic Kennel Assistant to join our busy boarding kennels.
We are a well-established and busy boarding kennels caring for a wide variety of dogs. We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys working with animals and is happy to get stuck into all aspects of their day-to-day care.
This is a practical, hands-on role and would suit someone who enjoys being active, working outdoors and taking pride in maintaining high standards of animal care and cleanliness.
The role will include:
- Walking and exercising dogs
- Feeding dogs and preparing individual meals
- Cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining kennels to a high standard
- Providing day-to-day care and monitoring the wellbeing of dogs staying with us
- Letting dogs out and safely moving them between kennels and exercise areas
- Washing bowls, bedding and general kennel equipment
- Keeping kennel areas clean, tidy and organised
- Helping with customers dropping off and collecting their dogs
- Working closely with other members of the kennel team
We care for a large number of dogs, particularly during busy periods, so applicants need to be confident around dogs of all sizes and breeds and comfortable working in a busy environment.
Opportunity for additional responsibility
For the right person, there will be an opportunity to take on additional responsibility and some Assistant Manager duties as they become experienced and confident within the kennels.
This could include helping to organise the day-to-day running of the kennels, coordinating other members of the team, dealing with customers and taking responsibility for ensuring the kennels continue to run smoothly when required.
We would therefore particularly welcome applications from people who are happy working hands-on with the dogs but who also have the confidence, initiative and organisational ability to take on greater responsibility over time.
This is not essential from day one — our priority is finding the right person who can become a dependable member of the kennel team, with the potential to develop the role further if suitable.
What we’re looking for
Previous experience working with dogs or animals would be an advantage, but attitude, reliability and a genuine interest in animal care are equally important.
You will need to be:
- Reliable and punctual
- Hardworking and physically fit
- Confident and sensible around dogs
- Able to work well as part of a team
- Comfortable working independently when required
- Friendly and professional when dealing with customers
- Observant and able to recognise changes in a dog’s behaviour or wellbeing
- Willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Working hours
The kennels operate seven days a week, so weekend and bank holiday work is an essential part of the role. Applicants must therefore be able to work some weekends as part of the normal staff rota.
The role involves early starts and working throughout the kennel day, depending on the rota.
This is an active job involving a considerable amount of walking, cleaning and physical work, so applicants should be comfortable with the practical nature of working in a busy boarding kennels.
About Hawthorne Kennels
We pride ourselves on providing a high standard of care and treating every dog staying with us as an individual. Good teamwork and communication are extremely important to us, particularly when caring for a large number of dogs.
If you’re dependable, enjoy working with dogs and would like to become part of a friendly, busy kennel team, we’d be very pleased to hear from you.
To apply, please send us your CV along with a short introduction telling us a little about yourself, any relevant experience you have and why you would like to work at Hawthorne Kennels.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
