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- Tasks: Care for pets, assess their needs, and prepare them for adoption.
- Company: Join Blue Cross UK, a leading charity dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, wellbeing support, and discounts on pet insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pets' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a zero hours contract, perfect for students seeking flexible work.
Join to apply for the Standby Pet Welfare Assistant (Onsite) role at Blue Cross UK.
Department: Rehoming & Fostering Services
Location: Hertfordshire
Application Deadline: 8 June 2025
Compensation: £13.69 / hour
Description:
Contract: Zero hours contract
Salary: £13.69 per hour
Location: Hertfordshire, SG4 8EU
Closing date: Sunday 8 June 2025
Interview dates: 17 & 18 June 2025
We’re recruiting a Standby Pet Welfare Assistant for onsite animal care, for our Rehoming & Fostering team in Hertfordshire! At Blue Cross, we are dedicated to providing the best care possible to pets in need. As a Standby 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 Hertfordshire rehoming centre.
More about the role:
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.
You will be on a zero hour’s contract and therefore you will not have regular hours of work but will be on standby to work shifts as and when required. At our Hertfordshire rehoming centre, we provide onsite accommodation for pets in our care 24/7. Overnight shifts are usually undertaken by team members who live on site. 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.
If you excel in an environment where you can see the difference you make every day, then this is the role for you. Interested? Then apply and let’s work together to see if this is the role for you.
About you:
As a skilled animal handler and assessor, 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., flea and tick treatments. In addition, you will have a fundamental understanding that the best welfare intervention for a pet is to find a new home and leave on site pet accommodation as quickly as possible.
You will be self-motivated, forward thinking with a collaborative and creative approach to your work, which will ensure to bring your best pragmatic ideas for the care of the pets to ensure the best outcome is achieved. In addition, 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. In addition, 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.
- Previous experience in working in a customer focused environment and used to 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 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 8 June 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits:
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
- 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
- Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- 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.
Standby Pet Welfare Assistant (Onsite) employer: Blue Cross UK
Contact Detail:
Blue Cross UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Standby Pet Welfare Assistant (Onsite)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Blue Cross's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience with animals, whether through volunteering or previous jobs. This practical knowledge will not only boost your confidence but also provide you with real-life examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Blue Cross. They can offer valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for situational questions that may arise during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios involving pet welfare, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and empathy.
We think you need these skills to ace Standby Pet Welfare Assistant (Onsite)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Standby Pet Welfare Assistant role. Understand the responsibilities and required skills, such as animal handling and customer service experience.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in animal welfare or customer-focused environments. Emphasise any specific skills mentioned in the job description, like communication and organisational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and your understanding of the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle animals and work in emotionally charged environments.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Cross UK
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal welfare, as this role is all about ensuring the best care for pets in need.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills in Animal Handling
Be prepared to discuss your experience with animal handling and assessment. Highlight specific situations where you successfully managed animal behaviour or implemented rehabilitation plans, as these skills are crucial for the Standby Pet Welfare Assistant role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in emotionally charged situations. Think of examples where you had to make quick decisions regarding animal care or client interactions, showcasing your resilience and emotional intelligence.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Blue Cross Values
Research Blue Cross UK and their mission to provide the best care for pets. Understanding their values and how they align with your own will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the team and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
