At a Glance
- Tasks: Help care for dogs, keep kennels clean, and provide enrichment activities.
- Company: Destitute Animal Shelter, a compassionate charity dedicated to rescuing animals.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, make a difference, and work with adorable dogs.
- Other info: Flexible hours and support from staff to ensure a safe volunteering experience.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help abandoned dogs find their forever homes.
- Qualifications: A love for dogs and previous experience with them is a plus.
The Destitute Animal Shelter is a dedicated rescue charity focused on supporting lost, stray, and abandoned cats and dogs in the Bolton area. Operating under a no‑destruction policy, the Shelter re‑homes over 450 animals annually and prioritises reducing the population of unwanted pets through its neutering programme. Established in the 1920s as a Charitable Trust, the Shelter was founded with the generous donation of a property on Deane Road solely for the care of destitute animals. The organisation continues its mission of compassion, offering love and care for animals in need.
Role Description
This volunteer role is crucial to the mental and physical wellbeing of the dogs in our care. We rely on our kennel assistants to maintain our high standards of cleanliness in our kennels, help our dogs adjust to their new environment and encourage the dogs to come out of their shells in hopes of finding new homes.
Main Tasks
- Ensuring that the full morning clean of the kennels is completed to a high standard
- Assist staff with feeding the dogs
- Clean and disinfect the side yard
- Clean and disinfect the meet and greet room
- Perform spot cleans throughout the day to ensure that the pen is always clean for the dog living in it
- Prepare enrichment activities for the dogs
- Take dogs into the meet and greet room or side yard and provide mental or physical enrichment
- Wash and dry all of the dirty pet bowls
- Empty the bins
Skills, Qualities and Experience
- A real passion for the health and wellbeing of dogs
- Previously worked with or owned dogs
- A minimum of two references
- All volunteers need to have an up‑to‑date tetanus vaccination in case of any scratches or bites that may occur
When and Where
The kennel assistants work on site at the shelter every day usually between the hours of 8 am to 11 am Monday to Saturday, with the hours being 10 am to 12 pm on a Sunday and bank holidays. However, this is flexible, so please come and talk to a member of the management team about your volunteering hours!
Support Offered
We rely on our volunteers to help make our shelter a safe and comfortable place for our animals to find their forever home. If there is anything that we can reasonably do to support – please come and have a chat with a member of the management team. There will always be members of staff on site when you are here at the shelter. If you ever feel uncomfortable around an animal, please let a member of staff know. Our kennel volunteers will get immense satisfaction that their help is making such a big impact on the lives of many of the local abandoned dogs, as well as gaining valuable hands‑on experience working with dogs of all different breeds, ages, sexes and temperaments.
Other Relevant Information
Please do note that when working with any animals it is possible that injuries may occur – in the form of scratches or bites. Any and all injuries, no matter the severity, must be reported to a member of staff and logged in the accident book.
Volunteer Kennel Assistant in Bolton employer: Destitute Animal Shelter
The Destitute Animal Shelter is an exceptional employer for those passionate about animal welfare, offering a supportive and compassionate work culture where volunteers can make a tangible difference in the lives of abandoned dogs. Located in Bolton, this charity not only provides valuable hands-on experience with various breeds but also fosters a sense of community among its volunteers, encouraging personal growth and development while prioritising the wellbeing of animals in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Kennel Assistant in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shelter! Spend some time volunteering before applying. This way, you’ll understand the environment and show your genuine passion for helping the dogs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current volunteers and staff. They can provide insights and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm during any informal chats or interviews. Let us see your love for dogs and commitment to their wellbeing – it goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Be flexible with your availability. The more open you are with your hours, the better chance we have of finding a spot for you as a kennel assistant!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Kennel Assistant in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you love dogs! Share your experiences with pets, whether it's owning them or volunteering. A genuine passion for animal welfare will make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid long-winded explanations. Just get to the point and highlight your relevant skills!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your application with the role description. Mention how your skills and experiences relate to the tasks we need help with, like cleaning and providing enrichment for our dogs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important information about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Destitute Animal Shelter
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
Make sure to express your genuine love for dogs during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with pets or volunteering, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the mission of the Destitute Animal Shelter.
✨Know the Shelter's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the shelter's history and its no-destruction policy. Being able to discuss how their values align with yours will show that you’re not just looking for any volunteer position, but that you truly care about their cause.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations with the dogs, such as dealing with a nervous or aggressive dog. Think through scenarios in advance and be ready to share your thoughts on how to provide mental and physical enrichment for the animals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the day-to-day responsibilities or how the shelter supports its volunteers. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand what to expect if you join the team.
