Animal Care Assistant

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Animal Care Assistant to join our team. As an Animal Care Assistant, you will play a vital role in providing care and support to animals in our facility. This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who have a passion for animal welfare and want to make a difference in the lives of animals.

**Responsibilities**:

- Assist with the preliminary assessment, ongoing inspection and treatment of animals. Carry out checks on animals, including the taking temperatures, inspection of eyes, ears, nose and throat for signs of infection or abnormality, reporting any abnormalities to Deputy/Branch Manager. Identify a suitable diet, prepare and provide food and water for all animals in the establishment.
- Attend to the needs of the individuals, including socialising, grooming, administration of first aid and medications as directed.
- Complete paperwork and maintain computerised records relating to the acceptance, assessment, care and rehoming of animals. Maintain daily animal records and general administrative duties.
- Clean, disinfect and maintain to a standard of cleanliness set by management; animal accommodation, isolation, food preparation kitchen, laundry, storage areas, reception, offices, staff facilities including toilets and outside areas. Ensure the cattery is secure at all times.
- Undertake basic site maintenance.
- Operate the cash register and the ensure the safe receipt of money.
- Stay overnight one night per week at Ashford Garden Cattery (accommodation provided).
- Undertake other duties as required by the Deputy/Branch Manager, for example:

- Driving animals to the vet or carrying out other van runs.
- Assisting with educational visits/talks.
- Fostering and hand rearing animals.
- Undertaking and/or arranging home inspection visits.
- Implanting microchips and completion of microchip records.
- Assisting with animal promotional initiatives.
- Writing adoption stories and taking photos.
- Creating content for social media and monitoring/posting on accounts regularly.
- Participate in fundraising initiatives and events.

All staff are required to:

- Undertake training on animal care and other relevant topics, where necessary.
- Adhere to the Branch charitable objectives by promoting kindness and preventing animal cruelty.
- Understand and comply with the Branch Code of Conduct.
- Take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts and omissions.
- Comply with all Branch policies and procedures.

**Specifications**

**Essential**
Qualifications - GCSEs or equivalent

Experience - Animal Care Experience

Customer service or experience of working with the general public

Working as part of a team

Skills and Competencies - Good communication skills

Good customer service skills

Personal Qualities - Sympathy with the RSPCA's aims and policies

Flexible and positive approach to work

Non-judgemental attitude

Special Circumstances - Prepared to work weekends and/or unsocial hours

Prepared to cover overnights on a rota basis, one night per week

Full, current UK driving license

**Desirable**
- Animal welfare qualification
- Professional experience working with the animal care/welfare/husbandry industry
- Social media experience
- Content creation
- Fundraising experience

**Job Type**: Part-time

**Salary**: £8.64-£11.44 per hour

Expected hours: 32 per week

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Weekend availability

**Education**:

- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Animal care: 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Ashford, Kent (required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Ashford, Kent: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: ACA24