Aspen Valley Boarding Kennels is looking for an experienced, reliable, and welfare-focused individual to join our team.
This is a physically demanding, hands-on role within a busy boarding kennel environment and is suited to someone who is genuinely passionate about canine welfare and maintaining high standards of care. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the health, safety, wellbeing, and comfort of dogs in our care whilst contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the kennels.
In addition to boarding dogs, we also work closely with stray dogs. Applicants must therefore be confident handling dogs with varying backgrounds, temperaments, training levels, and behavioural needs. A calm, patient, and welfare-led approach is essential.
Applicants must be confident working with dogs of varying breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments, have excellent attention to detail, and be committed to providing exceptional standards of animal care, cleanliness, professionalism, and customer service at all times. The ability to work independently, communicate effectively with colleagues, and adapt to the changing demands of a kennel environment is essential.
Essential Requirements
- Level 3 Animal Care qualification (or equivalent) that is OFQUAL regulated
- Previous boarding kennel experience is essential
- Experience handling a variety of dogs, including nervous, reactive, and stray dogs
- Applicants must live within a 30-minute commute of Aspen Valley Boarding Kennels, Oswaldtwistle
- Good understanding of canine welfare, behaviour, and safe handling practices
- Confidence handling dogs independently and professionally
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work using own initiative
- Flexible and able to adapt to the needs of the business
- Physically fit and capable of carrying out a demanding role in all weather conditions
Please note: Applications that do not hold a Level 3 OFQUAL-regulated Animal Care qualification, previous boarding kennel experience, and meet the location requirement will not be reviewed.
Responsibilities
- Providing daily care for dogs, including feeding, exercising, cleaning, and welfare monitoring
- Safely handling dogs of varying breeds, sizes, ages, temperaments, and behavioural needs
- Monitoring canine health, behaviour, and wellbeing, reporting concerns appropriately
- Administering medication where required and following individual care plans
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and biosecurity throughout the kennel environment
- Following company procedures, risk assessments, and safe handling protocols
- Providing enrichment and ensuring dogs receive appropriate mental and physical stimulation
- Assisting with the care, management, and welfare of stray dogs where required
- Assisting with the upkeep and presentation of the kennel buildings, exercise areas, grounds, and surrounding property
- Reporting maintenance issues and helping to maintain a safe and professional environment
- Maintaining accurate records and communicating effectively with colleagues
- Delivering excellent customer service and representing Aspen Valley Boarding Kennels professionally at all times
Training & Development
We are committed to maintaining high standards of welfare and care. Participation in ongoing staff training and professional development is mandatory. Staff are expected to engage positively with training opportunities, maintain company standards, and continually develop their knowledge and practical skills.
Working Hours
Flexibility is essential. Applicants must be available to work weekends, bank holidays, Christmas periods, and additional hours during busy periods where required.
To Apply
Please send your CV and a brief covering message outlining your qualifications, boarding kennel experience, and suitability for the role.
Successful applicants may be required to provide satisfactory references prior to employment commencing.
Applications from candidates who do not hold a Level 3 OFQUAL-regulated Animal Care qualification, previous boarding kennel experience, and live within a 30-minute commute of Aspen Valley Boarding Kennels will not be considered
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £8.00-£12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Accrington BB5 4NY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- Boarding Kennels: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
