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- Tasks: Care for pets, assess their needs, and prepare them for adoption.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a leading animal welfare charity dedicated to helping pets in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals, strong communication skills, and a passion for pet welfare.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours, perfect for students or those seeking meaningful work.
The predicted salary is between 9597 - 9597 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
Department: Rehoming & Fostering Services
Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time
Location: Suffolk
Reporting To: Assistant Manager - Offsite Services
Compensation: £23,993 / year
Contract: 15 hours per week, every Saturday and Sunday
Salary: £9,597 (£23,993)
Location: Ipswich IP2 8NQ
Closing date: Sunday 30th November 2025
Interview date: TBC
We’re recruiting a Pet Welfare Assistant for onsite animal care as part of our Rehoming & Fostering team in Suffolk! At Blue Cross, we are dedicated to providing the best care possible to pets in need. As a Pet Welfare Assistant for our onsite services, you will play an important role in our mission, ensuring that every pet receives the love, attention, and support they deserve during their stay at our Suffolk rehoming centre.
More about the role:
- Our Suffolk Centre has a wonderful group of dedicated people with varying skills that meld into one team with one mission: to help as many pets as possible.
- As a skilled animal handler and assessor, you will be responsible for the ‘preparation stage’ with the pets in our care which involves caring, carrying out assessments and rehabilitation plans, preparing them for the ‘adoption stage’ or the best possible outcome for their circumstances with minimal delay.
- You will ensure that the welfare standards are met and that rehabilitation plans are followed and supported for pets in our care.
- Working independently and with the team, you will carry out meetings with owners giving up their pet, ensuring all information is recorded, paperwork completed and that the pet is immediately assessed for behavioural or veterinary problems.
- Working closely with the Adoptions Coordinator, you will provide additional in person or virtual advice and practical demonstrations to ensure adoptees are fully aware of the work that has been done with the pet and how to continue with any other additional behaviour training or medical provision.
- Occasionally, you will be expected to carry out night checks or stay in onsite accommodation overnight when the resident team members are either not working or away for a period of time.
The working hours are Saturday and Sunday each week, this is a total of 15 hours per week. If you excel in an environment where you can see the difference you make every day, then this is the role for you.
About you:
- You will be intuitive with pets, empathetic and welfare focused having worked in a similar animal related environment.
- You will also be used to assessing the needs of a pet, alert to the behavioural signs and have a basic knowledge of the use of medication e.g., hibiscrub, flea and tick treatments, diabetes management.
- You will be self-motivated, forward thinking with a collaborative and creative approach to your work.
- You will be able to quickly assimilate information, be competent at accurately recording information while also conducting conversations with clients and stakeholders.
- You will be an excellent communicator, approachable with strong interpersonal skills.
- You will know what it is like to work in an emotionally charged environment and have excellent ‘bounce back ability’ and resilience.
- You will be emotionally intelligent, showing empathy and knowing how to support clients and colleagues.
Knowledge, skills, and experience:
- Experience of having previously worked or volunteered with domestic animals or in an animal welfare environment, with some experience specifically with dogs.
- Previous experience in working in a customer focused environment and achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Good organisational and administration skills to include computerised systems.
- Current full driving licence.
It would be great (but not essential) if you also had:
- Qualification or similar experience in animal behaviour or animal training.
- Experience of cash handling.
- Experience of working to strict health and safety procedures.
- Understanding of safeguarding issues.
How to apply:
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 30th November 2025.
Blue Cross benefits:
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.
Pet Welfare Assistant - Onsite Services in Ipswich employer: Blue Cross For Pets
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross For Pets Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pet Welfare Assistant - Onsite Services in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Blue Cross and its mission. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to animal welfare and your experience. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of your experience with pets and how you've made a difference in their lives. This will demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare and resonate with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Pet Welfare Assistant - Onsite Services in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pets: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to pet welfare. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm for helping pets in need.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role of a Pet Welfare Assistant. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross For Pets
✨Know Your Stuff About Animal Welfare
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal welfare standards and rehabilitation plans. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences with pets, especially dogs, as this will show your understanding of the role and your commitment to their care.
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with both pets and their owners, it's crucial to demonstrate your empathy and strong communication skills during the interview. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully handled emotionally charged situations or provided support to clients in need.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or scenarios related to animal handling and assessment. Think about how you would approach various situations, such as assessing a pet's behaviour or discussing care plans with adopters, and be prepared to articulate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Resilience
This role requires collaboration with a dedicated team, so be sure to highlight your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've bounced back from challenges in previous roles, showcasing your resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
