Animal Carer

**JOB DESCRIPTION - ANIMAL CARER (5)**

**Department**:
Welfare Operations

**Location**:
Rotherham, South Yorkshire

**Hours**:
Zero hours contract over 7 days

**Salary**:
£10.50 per hour

**Reporting to**:
Kennel & Cattery Lead

**Direct Reports**:
None

**ABOUT US**

Established in 2002 and in our 20th year of rescue work, we are proud of our reputation for working hard to help vulnerable cats and dogs in the South Yorkshire area in their time of need.

Helping around 400 cats and 120 dogs each year, running a 365 day operation, the demand for our work continues to grow and we are needed now more than ever before. We are there for the cats and dogs in our local community that desperately need our help. We are there for those who have nowhere else to go, for the sick and injured, those thrown out by society, and for the owners who simply can't care for them any longer, no matter what the reason. Our target area of help is South Yorkshire, a high area of cruelty and deprivation and we pride ourselves on working for and within the community.

We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen to each pet owner's story, and always prioritise those in the most need of help. Many of the cats and dogs that come into our care have complex medical and behavioural needs, whilst some may just be in the wrong home the first time around. Our object of ‘helping cats and dogs in crisis’ is simple and effective, but we face many challenges along the way.

**ABOUT YOU**

This is a physically demanding role, and involves being outside and working in all weathers, manual handling, lifting and bending and walking often very strong dogs. It also involves bending and cleaning in small areas of the cattery,

You will be hard-working and reliable and possess a passion for animal welfare and an empathy with people. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and have effective time management.

Required knowledge, skills and experience:

- Full clean manual driving licence
- Ability to work constructively and collaboratively with all members of the team
- Understanding of The Animal Welfare Act and behavioural issues
- Sound awareness and understanding of medical and behavioural problems and issues and how they may be displayed in a rescue environment
- Ability to care for cats and dogs from a range of different backgrounds, competently and safely handling them using the appropriate methods
- Experience working in the charity sector, preferably in animal welfare
- Understanding of rescue centre operations and ability to implement safe procedures
- Professional and empathetic customer service skills
- High attention to detail for accuracy and welfare considerations
- Good communication and relationship building skills
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written
- Confident IT skills and good organisational and decision-making skills

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

The role reports to the Kennel & Cattery Lead and is responsible for the general day-to-day care of animals during their time at the centre. They ensure the safety and welfare of the dogs and cats in our care, engaging with members of the public and continually providing excellent customer service to optimise animal and customer journeys. The role will be expected to work cross-functionally in both the Cattery and Kennels.
- Responsible for the welfare of animals in the Charity’s care, ensuring the highest standards of care are given at all times, in line with ADCH Code of Practice and the Charity’s guidelines and considering the individual needs of each animal
- Responsible for the day-to-day care of all animals, including the cleaning and maintenance of accommodation, feeding, exercising, socialisation and enrichment
- To work closely with all members of the welfare team regarding the progress of animals in our care, always keeping in mind the ultimate goal of rehoming
- Responsible for delivering the agreed training and behaviour interventions to applicable animals
- To monitor the health and wellbeing of the animals, ensuring that any animal illness, injury or behaviour issues are recorded and reported immediately to the Kennel & Cattery Lead or Welfare Operations Manager in their absence
- Upholding RCVS standards and conform to welfare and veterinary procedures for the administration of all medication conforming to legal requirements including the storage and handling of drugs and disposal of waste.
- Maintain accurate paper and electronic records in a timely manner, ensuring animal information is recorded in line with agreed processes and procedures
- Following behavioural and medical care plans in line with agreed procedures
- Responsible for ensuring vet visits instructions are carried out as necessary. To cooperate with the vet in respect of the examination and treatment of animals including ensuring that treatments and medications are administered in the prescribed quantity at the specified intervals
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