Animal Care Assistant

About the Role

You’ll be joining the dedicated team at RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre near Middlesbrough, working part-time on a permanent basis for 21 hours per week (weekends plus one additional day). This is hands-on, rewarding work at the heart of animal rescue and rehabilitation.

The centre cares for 150+ animals on any given day – from dogs and cats to rabbits, small furries and farm animals. Most arrive abandoned, abused or neglected, and your role is to help them recover, rebuild trust, and find their forever homes. No two days are the same; it’s practical, sometimes challenging, but always worth it.

Key Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain enclosures for animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species
• Feed, water, groom and exercise animals daily, ensuring the highest welfare standards
• Monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health, escalating concerns to the team
• Administer medication and treatments prescribed by the Vet, working under guidance
• Implement behaviour modification programmes with support from the Behaviour and Welfare Advisors
• Work with adopters to match animals to suitable homes and provide post-adoption support
• Maintain digital records to track each animal’s care journey
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and the wider team

Requirements

• Essential: Professional or voluntary experience working with animals – particularly dogs. Experience in dog grooming, boarding kennels, or animal care roles is especially valued
• Resilience and compassion – many animals have experienced trauma and need patience
• Practical mindset – you’ll work outdoors in all weathers as part of the team
• Strong communication skills – working with colleagues, volunteers and the public
• Adaptability – animal care is unpredictable; you’ll stay calm under pressure
• IT confidence – you’ll use digital systems to record animal information
• Your own transport – the centre is in a rural location with no public transport nearby
• Desirable: Animal care qualifications and/or a driving licence
• Legal right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
• You may need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £22,932 pro rata plus 4% shift allowance
• 25 days annual holiday
• Pension scheme
• Healthcare cash plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational sick pay and life assurance
• Dog-friendly workplace policies
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to staff discount schemes
• Family-friendly policies
• Professional development opportunities

About the Practice

The RSPCA is a leading animal welfare charity in England and Wales, caring for animals across multiple centres and facilities. The Great Ayton Animal Centre is part of this mission, providing refuge, medical care and rehabilitation for rescued animals. The team includes skilled animal care staff, behaviour and welfare advisors, vets and volunteers, all working towards the same goal: giving animals a second chance.

The RSPCA is committed to building a diverse workforce and actively welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, including members of underrepresented groups in the charity sector. Reasonable adjustments are available at all stages of the recruitment process.