About the Role
This is a full-time permanent position working 35 hours per week at the RSPCA’s Gonsal Farm Animal Centre near Shrewsbury. You’ll work shifts of 08:30–17:15, including some weekends, with occasional longer days (8:15–17:15 twice monthly). No two days are the same in this hands-on, rewarding role – it’s demanding but deeply meaningful work.
The centre cares for 150+ animals at any given time, from dogs, cats and rabbits to small furries and farm animals. Every animal has a story of abandonment, abuse or neglect, and you’ll be at the heart of their journey to recovery and rehoming. This role demands emotional resilience and genuine compassion, alongside practical animal-handling skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily accommodation cleaning for intakes, including dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species
- Feeding, watering, grooming and exercising animals to the highest welfare standards
- Monitoring and reporting on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health
- Administering medication and treatments prescribed by veterinarians (under supervision)
- Implementing behaviour modification programmes with guidance from Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team
- Working with potential adopters to match animals to suitable homes and providing post-adoption support
- Maintaining accurate computerised records for animals in your care
- Working safely and competently with large dog breeds, many of whom may be unsocialised
Requirements
- Essential: Proven paid or voluntary experience working with dogs (personal pet ownership does not count)
- Essential: Demonstrated experience handling large dog breeds with confidence and skill to manage their behaviour safely and effectively
- Essential: Emotional resilience when working with animals that have experienced neglect, abuse or cruelty
- Essential: Ability to cope with distressing situations, including exposure to euthanasia decisions (you will not carry out euthanasia, but may be present or involved in related activities)
- Essential: Willingness to undertake practical outdoor work in all weather conditions (reasonable adjustments available where needed)
- Essential: Strong communication and team-working skills; ability to work effectively with colleagues across the RSPCA, volunteers and members of the public
- Essential: Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a busy, unpredictable environment
- Essential: Confidence using IT systems and maintaining accurate computerised records
- Desirable: Animal management qualification (Level 3 and above)
- Desirable: Full manual driving licence (required for transporting animals between sites)
- Legal right to work in the UK required; the RSPCA cannot sponsor visas
- Successful candidates will need to undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Benefits
- Salary: £22,932 plus 4% shift allowance
- 35-hour working week (full-time permanent)
- 25 days holiday per year
- Pension scheme
- Healthcare cash plan
- Life assurance
- Occupational sick pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional development opportunities
- Family-friendly policies
- Dog-friendly workplace policies
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discount schemes
About the Practice
The RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre is part of the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), a registered charity dedicated to animal welfare in England and Wales since 1824. The centre operates as a sanctuary and rehabilitation facility for abandoned, abused and neglected animals, caring for a diverse range of species from domestic companions to farm animals.
The RSPCA is committed to building a diverse workforce and actively encourages applications from minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities, who are currently under-represented. The organisation offers reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and welcomes enquiries about support needed.
