Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with feeding, cleaning, and caring for dogs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, dedicated to animal welfare and compassion.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new friends, and receive training in a fun community setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of dogs awaiting their forever homes.
- Qualifications: Must be 16+, with a love for dogs and ability to work independently.
- Other info: Volunteering includes an interview, trial period, and travel expense reimbursement.
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 manager's 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.
Kennel Assistant employer: RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Contact Detail:
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kennel Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with dog behaviour and body language. Understanding how dogs communicate can help you stand out as a candidate, showing that you have the necessary skills to work with animals that may have complex needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience by volunteering at local animal shelters or dog rescue centres. This not only enhances your CV but also demonstrates your commitment to animal welfare, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your availability during the interview. Since the role requires early shifts and weekend work, showing flexibility in your schedule can make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former kennel assistants or staff at the RSPCA. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to excel in the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Kennel Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and skills required for a Kennel Assistant. Highlight your passion for animal welfare and any relevant experience you have with dogs.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience with animals, particularly dogs. Include any volunteer work, pet care, or related skills that demonstrate your ability to handle the physical tasks and emotional needs of the dogs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and your commitment to animal welfare. Share personal anecdotes about your experiences with dogs and how they have shaped your desire to help them.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a caring role like this.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
✨Show Your Passion for Dogs
Make sure to express your love for dogs during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with dogs, whether it's owning one or volunteering at a shelter. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the well-being of the animals.
✨Understand Dog Behaviour
Familiarise yourself with basic dog behaviour and body language. Being able to read a dog's signals is crucial in this role, so mention any relevant knowledge or experiences you have. This shows that you're prepared to handle the complexities of the dogs in their care.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Independence
Discuss your ability to work both as part of a team and independently. Provide examples from past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others or taken initiative on your own. This will reassure them that you can adapt to different situations in the kennel.
✨Emphasise Your Physical Capability
Be ready to talk about your physical fitness and ability to perform tasks such as cleaning and exercising dogs. Mention any relevant experiences that showcase your capability to handle the physical demands of the job, as this is an important aspect of being a kennel assistant.
