Cat / Pet Sitter - Must Have Own Vehicle

Purrfect Cat Care was founded in 2021. We provide professional cat sitting services to the Winchester area and also offer small pet sitting.

We are on the lookout for a passionate and reliable Sitter to join our team for the Summer. You would need to be available to start work ASAP.

This position is to work 5 days a week to cover days off for the current team, with some weekend work. There will be the option to work additional days and beyond the Summer upon discussion.

The successful applicant must be available to work split shifts in the mornings afternoons. The core hours are 06:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00 but you may also be required to attend visits between these shifts to cover team holidays. Schedules are published a week in advance, however, flexibility is required due to last minute bookings and the nature of the role.

**DESCRIPTION**
- **Zero Hours**: 10 to 35 hours per week
- **Pay Range**:from £8.60 to £12 per hour
- **Extras**: mileage (_between first and last visit, not from home to home_), phone allowance, t-shirts and workplace pension
- **Core Hours**:06:00-10:00 **and** 16:00-19:00 from Monday to Sunday with 1-2 days off
- **Requirements**:Clear DBS check, full clean driving licence and must own vehicle

**SUMMARY**

We are seeking a **CAT LOVING** person to join our team of Sitters in Winchester.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about cats, with a high level of empathy and has experience in looking after cats and an understanding of feline behaviours. You **MUST** be honest, reliable, trustworthy and conscientious as you will be responsible for providing exceptional care and attention to cats and small pets from within the owners home whilst they are away

This is a rewarding role, but due to its nature, you **MUST** comply with the following criteria:

- Clear DBS check
- Full clean UK driving licence
- Own insured vehicle (transport via foot and bicycle will not be possible)
- Live in Winchester (within a 4 mile radius of centre)
- Provide CV and two references
- Provide a decent cover letter demonstrating why we should consider you for this role
- Have a love and passion for cats and animals
- Be well presented at all times
- Have good communication skills and an eye for detail

This is a Zero-Hours role with an anticipated requirement of 10 to 35 hours per week. We are currently entering our busiest season, so you can expect a higher demand through to at least September. The hourly rate is from £8.60 to £12.00. Mileage will be paid at 45p p/m (which will be calculated through our own app) and holidays will be accrued on a quarterly basis. Workplace pension rules will also apply.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- You will be providing daily care to cats or small pets according to a detailed process as laid out in the training handbook and the client profiles within the central system
- Cat visits (30 or 60 minute visits)
- Follow specific client instructions or adhere to strict routines
- Administer medication, e.g. pills, syringes or inhalers
- Feed as per instructions
- Ensure there is access to fresh water at all times
- Clean feeding apparatus
- Clean and maintain pet areas, including litter trays
- Engage in play and provide companionship
- Monitor for any signs of illness or distress and report any concerns
- Maintain accurate records of each visit, including interaction with pets and upload photos to the Report Card
- Small Pet Visits, e.g. Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chickens. This service includes the above with additional cleaning of cages or pens
- Safe guarding client keys
- Light household duties are also expected, e.g. bringing in post, watering plants, popping bins out etc
- Ensuring house is left tidy at all times
- Some client engagement required

**SKILLS**
- Knowledge of animal care best practices and experience with cats/pets
- Patience and compassion when dealing with animals, especially those who may be anxious or fearful
- Ability to adapt to different pet personalities and adjust care accordingly
- Honest, trustworthy and extremely reliable
- Ability to organise and plan your routes efficiently for allocated visits
- Punctual with the ability to time keep
- Good English, both written and spoken
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate effectively
- Have a good eye for detail
- Tech savvy for PSD booking system and other apps for time sheets and mileage etc
- Qualifications in Animal Care would be nice but not necessary.
- **Interview stages & hiring process**:_
- In person interview(s)
- Work to commence within the next week
- Undergo induction and training to ensure services are conducted to a high standard. Includes review of handbook, policies and shadowing of visits prior to solo visits commencing
- Additional ongoing training will be provided as required.

Due to the nature of the job and the trust our clients put in us, it is critical that DBS and reference checks are satisfactorily passed prior to work commencing.

**Job Type**: