Overview
Downlands Kennels is a busy boarding kennels and cattery in Cholsey Oxfordshire.
The Senior Kennels Assistant plays a key role in the day-to-day care of animals within the kennels, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, health, and welfare are upheld at all times. This role involves supervising junior staff, assisting in the training of new team members, and supporting the Kennel Manager with operational duties.
The Downlands Team is small but all of us enjoy getting to know our extended family of visiting dogs and cats. Our staff are passionate about animals and have all completed Animal Care courses.
Role
- Provide high standards of care for all animals in the kennels, including feeding, cleaning, bathing, grooming, and exercising.
- Monitor animal health and behaviour, reporting concerns promptly to the Kennel Manager.
- Administer basic medications as prescribed and maintain accurate health records.
- Supervise and support junior kennel assistants, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across the kennels and associated areas, following infection control procedures.
- Handle animals with care, patience, and compassion, including those with behavioural or medical needs.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety and animal welfare regulations at all times.
- Assist with rota planning, record-keeping, and reporting tasks as delegated by the Kennel Manager.
Requirements
- Demonstratable experience in animal care, preferably in a kennel, rescue centre, or veterinary setting.
- Level 2/3 Diploma or equivalent in Animal Care.
- Proven ability to handle dogs and cats safely and confidently.
- Strong understanding of animal welfare, behaviour, and basic health issues.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members.
- Physically fit and able to perform demanding manual tasks in all weather conditions.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, along with excellent customer service
- High attention to detail and strong organisational skill
- Flexible, reliable, and committed to animal care.
Other
- The role is 5 days per week (8am - 5pm) including weekend and public holidays working on a rota basis.
- The role involves outdoor work in all weather conditions
- We would recommend candidates have their own transport, as we are in based in a rural location
- There is the potential of onsite mobile home accommodation being available
To apply, send us an email detailing what you could bring to the job and attach your cv.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
