Job Summary
Please read carefully before applying. This is an extremely physically demanding role and is not suitable for someone looking for a typical animal care position.
Working as a Kennel Assistant is rewarding, but it is also hard work. You will be on your feet for the majority of your shift, working at a fast pace throughout the day in all weather conditions. This role requires physical stamina, resilience, and the ability to maintain high standards whilst carrying out demanding manual tasks.
The role involves continuous cleaning, kennel maintenance, lifting, bending, walking, and handling dogs of all sizes while maintaining exceptional standards of animal welfare, hygiene, and customer service. A significant part of the role involves the physical cleaning and scraping of kennels, which requires good upper body strength, a strong core, and the ability to perform repetitive manual tasks throughout the day.
This is a fast-paced environment where important daily routines and strict schedules must be followed to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare are maintained. Feeding, exercising, cleaning, welfare checks, and daily care routines must be completed within set timeframes. Applicants must be able to work efficiently under pressure, manage their time effectively, and maintain attention to detail without compromising the quality of care provided to the animals.
The workload can be relentless during busy periods, with very little downtime. Applicants must be comfortable working outdoors in rain, cold, heat, and wind, while maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic throughout the day.
If you have existing back, knee, shoulder, or mobility issues, you should carefully consider whether you can safely meet the physical demands of this role.
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Kennel Assistant who has a genuine passion for animal welfare and understands that exceptional animal care involves a significant amount of hard physical work behind the scenes.
Duties
- Maintaining exceptional cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout kennels, catteries, exercise areas, and communal facilities.
- Thorough cleaning, disinfecting, and scraping of kennels and animal accommodation on a daily basis.
- Feeding, exercising, and monitoring the welfare of dogs and cats in our care.
- Walking dogs on and off-site, including country walks along designated routes.
- Handling dogs of various breeds, sizes, strengths, and temperaments safely and confidently.
- Monitoring animal health and behaviour and reporting any concerns promptly.
- Bathing, drying, grooming, and general care of animals as required.
- Carrying and moving food, bedding, cleaning equipment, and laundry throughout the day.
- Operating reception and front desk duties, including answering telephone enquiries and assisting customers.
- Taking photographs and providing updates for owners while their pets are staying with us.
- Supporting the team in maintaining a safe, organised, and professional environment at all times.
Skills and Requirements
- A genuine passion for animal welfare.
- A positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Excellent physical fitness and stamina.
- Good upper body strength and a strong core to carry out the physical demands of kennel maintenance and cleaning.
- Ability to work at a consistently fast pace throughout the day.
- Confidence working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and move heavy items.
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to meet important daily care schedules.
- Experience within kennels, animal care, veterinary practice, zoos, or similar environments is desirable.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills and professional telephone manner.
- Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
- A full driving licence and access to transport, as public transport to the location is limited.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hard work, thrives in a busy environment, and takes pride in delivering exceptional care to animals. While highly rewarding, applicants should be aware that this is a physically challenging role that requires commitment, resilience, stamina, and the ability to maintain a high standard of work every day.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- Will you be able to work 40 -42 hours a week at least from 1st April to 30 Oct, school half terms, the Christmas period and other times when needed?
- Are you able to work every other weekend including both Saturday and Sunday?
- Do you have any holidays planned?
- Do you have a current notice period to work? If so how long is it?
Experience:
- Animal care: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
