Do you love dogs? Do you have a calm and understanding nature?
Many of the dogs in our care have never experienced life in a loving, family home, and many come to the centre with complex behaviour and welfare concerns requiring support from our experienced staff and behaviour team. As a kennel assistant, you will assist with feeding, cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining kennels to a high standard. You will help prepare enrichment for the dogs and keep the general exercise areas clean and well-stocked. Your support is vital in allowing staff to focus on rehabilitating the dogs, potentially shortening their stays.
When possible, kennel assistants may also exercise and attend to the dogs' grooming needs. All tasks follow current health and safety procedures. Due to the dogs' nature, there will be times when their care is overseen solely by experienced staff during assessments.
You will work as part of a team but must be able to work independently. You should be comfortable reading dog behaviour and physically capable of performing tasks; training will be provided.
The main cleaning duties are performed early in the shift, so availability from 9 am onwards is preferred, including weekdays and weekends.
In this role, you'll meet new people and care for dogs awaiting their forever homes. It's important to provide the best care and patience, as many dogs have not had a loving history. If this sounds like you, click the 'apply' button now.
Please note, applicants must be aged 18 or over.
More about this role
Volunteer role: Kennel Assistant
Volunteer manager: Centre Manager
Location: Community
Why we want you
We are the RSPCA, committed to a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are essential in supporting our animal welfare work. Many dogs in our care have not experienced a loving home. While waiting for adoption, they receive all necessary care in our centres, with volunteer kennel assistants playing a vital role under the centre managers’ guidance.
What you will be doing
* Preparing and providing food and water for the dogs as directed.
* Cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining kennels to required standards.
* Attending to exercise, coat care, and grooming needs.
* Following health and safety procedures at all times.
* Liaising with colleagues, staff, and volunteers.
The skills you need
* Volunteers must be aged 16 or over; some centres require 18+.
* Knowledge of dogs and ability to read behaviour.
* Comfortable around dogs with a patient and understanding attitude.
* Ability to perform physical tasks.
* Ability to work in a team and independently.
What's in it for you
* Meeting new people and making friends
* Learning new skills for your CV
* Receiving quality induction and training
* Volunteering in a fun, community environment
* Making a significant difference to animal welfare
* Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
Disclaimer
Volunteering is subject to an interview and trial period. You will need to provide two referees' contact details. An online health & safety assessment must be completed before starting. We reimburse out-of-pocket expenses. Volunteers must be vaccinated against tetanus; please check your vaccination status with your GP. If not fully immunised, the GP can provide the vaccine free of charge. Tetanus vaccination is typically lifelong, but booster shots may be recommended for high-risk injuries.
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