Canine Care Assistant – Dog Boarding & Daycare
Location: Wags & Whiskers Pet Hotel & Spa, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3QA
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Contract: Permanent
Guaranteed hours: Minimum 25 hours per week, with additional hours potentially available
About the Role
Wags & Whiskers Pet Hotel & Spa is a licensed dog boarding and daycare facility based at Brent Farm in Highbridge.
We are recruiting a qualified, reliable and dependable Canine Care Assistant to work under the direction of our Shift Leaders and help maintain the welfare, safety and comfort of every dog in our care.
This is a physically active, hands-on position. A substantial part of the role involves cleaning boarding suites, handling soiled bedding, preparing food and working directly with dogs of different breeds, sizes and temperaments.
Key Responsibilities
Canine Care
- Provide attentive and compassionate care to boarding and daycare dogs.
- Follow individual feeding, exercise, enrichment and medication instructions.
- Ensure every dog has fresh water, suitable food and a clean, comfortable living space.
- Monitor each dog’s health, behaviour and general wellbeing.
- Recognise and promptly report signs of illness, injury, fear, stress or abnormal behaviour.
- Safely handle unfamiliar dogs of different breeds, sizes and temperaments.
- Assist with nervous, strong or reactive dogs in accordance with company procedures.
- Administer prescribed medication when trained and authorised to do so.
- Maintain accurate feeding, exercise, medication and welfare records.
Cleaning and Facility Standards
- Clean and disinfect boarding suites, exercise areas and shared spaces.
- Deal routinely with urine, faeces, vomit, soiled bedding and other animal-related waste.
- Complete laundry, including washing, drying and returning bedding and towels.
- Follow infection-control procedures, product instructions and cleaning schedules.
- Keep food-preparation, storage and animal-care areas clean and organised.
- Report maintenance issues, damaged equipment and stock shortages.
Team and Operational Support
- Follow instructions and daily task allocations provided by the Shift Leader.
- Work cooperatively with colleagues to complete the daily care schedule.
- Provide clear handovers and communicate welfare or operational concerns promptly.
- Assist with customer check-ins and check-outs when required.
- Support basic administration, record-keeping and customer communication.
- Follow company policies, health and safety procedures and licensing requirements.
Essential Requirements
- An appropriate Level 2 or higher Ofqual-regulated qualification in Animal Care, Animal Management, Veterinary Assistance or a closely related subject.
- Practical experience caring for and handling dogs.
- Confidence working with unfamiliar dogs of different breeds and sizes.
- Ability to recognise signs of illness, injury, fear and stress.
- Willingness to undertake all cleaning duties and deal regularly with animal waste and soiled bedding.
- Strong attendance, punctuality and employment reliability.
- Ability to follow structured procedures and complete tasks accurately.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Physical capability to undertake an active role, carry supplies and assist with the safe movement of dogs, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
- Full UK driving licence and reliable personal transport.
- Right to work in the United Kingdom.
- Availability for early starts, weekends and bank holidays.
Desirable Experience
- Previous employment in dog boarding, daycare, kennels, veterinary practice, rescue or another professional animal-care environment.
- Experience handling nervous, strong or reactive dogs.
- Experience administering animal medication.
- Customer service or reception experience.
- Basic computer, booking-system and administrative skills.
Location and Travel
Applicants must be able to travel reliably to TA9 3QA for shifts beginning as early as 6:30 am.
Successful applicants must either:
- Already live within approximately 30 minutes of the hotel; or
- Have a genuine plan to relocate within that distance before starting work.
Accommodation options can be discussed with candidates who are considering relocation.
Working Pattern
The business operates 365 days a year. Shifts may include:
- Morning shifts beginning at 6:30 am
- Afternoon or evening shifts
- Full-day shifts
- Rotational weekends
- Bank holidays shared across the team
Rotas are issued in advance where possible, but flexibility is required because of the nature of animal care.
What We Offer
- Permanent contract
- Minimum 25 guaranteed hours per week
- Additional hours may be available
- Company pension, subject to eligibility
- Employee discount
- Free on-site parking
- Role-specific training and continuing development
- Potential progression within the business
- Accommodation options can be discussed for candidates considering relocation
Application Requirements
Please ensure your application clearly states:
- The complete title and awarding organisation of your animal-care qualification
- Your practical or professional dog-handling experience
- Your current postcode and expected journey time to TA9 3QA
- Your availability for early starts, weekends and bank holidays
- Your notice period and earliest potential start date
Qualification certificates and employment references will be requested before appointment.
Work location: In person
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Dog Boarding: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Animal Mgmt/Equivalent Level 2 or above Ofqual Regulated (required)
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
