Apprentice Dog Care Assistant / Dog Trainer
Oxford Pet Whisperers – Start: ASAP
About the Role
Join Oxford Pet Whisperers (OPW) as an Apprentice Dog Care Assistant, an immersive, hands-on opportunity to build a serious career in canine care and training. This isn't about cuddles; it's about developing professionalism, expertise, and real-world skills that set you up for long-term success.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Earn & Learn: You'll be employed while training toward the Level 2 Animal Care & Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship, combining structured qualification with practical experience.
- Tailored Learning: You’ll train across four core areas - Health, Safety & Legislation, Animal Health & Welfare, Animal Accommodation, and Feeding & Nutrition.
- Personalised Pathways: Choose specialised routes like Interaction & Handling, Rehoming, Working Dog Handler, and more, allowing your journey to reflect your interests and OPW’s needs.
- Formal Certification: Complete your apprenticeship over 12–18 months (minimum 12 months) and conclude with an End-Point Assessment - a mix of practical tests, written reflection, and oral discussion - to earn your qualification from Keits
What We’re Looking For
- Genuine Passion for canine care and training, not just loving dogs, but driven to understand how to train and nurture them professionally.
- Career-Minded Attitude: This role is a stepping-stone, not a stopover. We expect ambition, resilience, and the desire to grow with us.
- Hard Worker with Realistic Expectations: This is physically demanding and fast-paced. If you're ready to learn fast and stay focused, you'll thrive.
- Adaptable and Independent: Learn quickly, apply feedback, and work autonomously within our structured routine.
What You’ll Do
- Support mixed roles across dog training, handling, grooming, and enrichment.
- Assist with customer service - check‑ins, check‑outs, and retail feedback.
- Maintain the centre’s high standards through cleaning, upkeep, and daily routines.
- Participate in structured play and training sessions - not just observing but leading.
- Learn from experienced trainers, eventually helping onboard new staff.
Training & Development
You’ll receive:
- On-the-job training in professional canine care, behaviour, body language, and basic grooming.
- Formal instruction through the apprenticeship framework, including remote and face‑to‑face learning.
- Structured milestones, employer assessments, and progress reviews, culminating in a formal evaluation via the End-Point Assessment.
- A personalised learning path, based on your chosen specialisation (with keits)(e.g., Working Dog Handler, Animal Interaction, etc.).
What We Offer
- Specialist training grounded in real-world canine management and welfare.
- Modern, comfortable facilities - indoor spaces, outdoor garden, staff kitchen, rest area, shower room.
- Free on-site parking, supportive team, and a relaxed, high-standard environment.
- Clear career progression - opportunities to specialise in specific training or behaviour once probation and certification are complete.
Requirements
- Live within a 30-minute drive of OPW.
- Early starts (from 7:30 am) and the stamina to stay active all day.
- Professional, well-presented, with good English and focus.
- Comfortable working independently while upholding structure and standards.
- Willing to complete a DBS/police check and provide references.
- Commitment of at least 12 months - this is for people serious about career-building.
How to Apply
Please submit both your CV and a cover letter - applications without a cover letter won’t be considered. In your letter, please address:
- Why you want this apprenticeship - and why you believe you're a great fit.
- Your availability or any scheduling restrictions.
- If you’ve applied before, explain why we should reconsider you.
- Any relevant experiences or motivations you’d like us to know.
About Us
We're a small, family-run business, specialising in combining dog daycare with professional training. Since launching in 2018, we’ve focused on helping 30-40 free-roaming dogs each day become confident, well-mannered companions in a calm, structured, and caring setting.
Ready to turn your love for dogs into a career?
Apply now
Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship
Pay: £8.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Didcot OX11 7HR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
