Animal Care Assistant

About the Role

This is a permanent, full-time position working 35 hours per week on a shift rota that includes a 2 on, 2 off pattern covering weekends and some bank holidays. You’ll be based at Ashley Heath Animal Centre in rural Hampshire, where you’ll play a vital role in caring for rescued animals as they recover and prepare for adoption.

As an Animal Care Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of the centre’s rescue mission. No two days are the same—you’ll be hands-on, outdoors in all weathers, and always part of a team committed to animal welfare. The work can be tough, especially knowing many of these animals have been through trauma, but it’s deeply rewarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures for dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species
• Feeding, watering, grooming and exercising animals in your care
• Monitoring and reporting on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health
• Administering medication and treatments as prescribed by the veterinary team
• Supporting behaviour modification programmes under guidance from Behaviour and Welfare Advisors
• Working with adopters to match animals to suitable homes and providing post-adoption support

Requirements

• Professional or voluntary experience working with animals (particularly dogs)—not just as a pet owner. Experience in dog grooming, boarding kennels, or animal care roles at other charities/companies is particularly valued
• Resilience and compassion—understanding that rescue animals need patience and emotional support
• Practical mindset—comfortable working outdoors in all weathers and mucking in as part of the team
• Strong communication skills for working with colleagues, volunteers and the public
• Adaptability and ability to stay calm under pressure in an unpredictable environment
• IT confidence for using digital records to track animal journeys
• Full, valid UK driving license and own transport (essential—the centre is in a rural location with no public transport links nearby)
• Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not available)
• Successful candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Benefits

• Salary: £22,932 + 4% shift allowance
• 35-hour working week (full-time)
• 25 days annual holiday
• Pension scheme
• Healthcare cash plan
• Life assurance
• Occupational sick pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Dog-friendly workplace policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discount schemes
• Family-friendly policies
• Professional development support

About the Practice

The RSPCA is a leading animal welfare charity operating across England and Wales. Ashley Heath Animal Centre is one of the organisation’s dedicated animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities, providing shelter, medical care and behavioural support to help animals recover and find loving homes.

The team prioritises a supportive culture with regular check-ins, team meetings and colleagues always available to help. The RSPCA actively welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds and is particularly keen to hear from members of minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities, recognising that lived experiences and transferable skills add real value to the team.