At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide daily care for animals and engage with adopters and volunteers.
- Company: Join Little Valley Animal Shelter, a compassionate and dedicated team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Work hands-on with animals and help them find loving homes.
- Qualifications: Passion for animal welfare and strong teamwork skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 19800 - 24800 £ per year.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis
Salary: £24,784.50 per annum, subject to review April 2026
Reports to: Shelter Management Team
About Little Valley Animal Shelter
Little Valley Animal Shelter is an independent, self-funded branch of the RSPCA, forming the Devon Branch. Based just outside Exeter, we have been supporting animals in need for over 180 years and have been located at Little Valley since 1990. We are dedicated to providing high standards of welfare, compassionate care, and appropriate rehabilitation until animals are ready for rehoming. Our team includes around 50 staff members and over 100 volunteers working across the shelter and our charity shops throughout Devon.
The role
We are seeking an Animal Care Assistant to provide excellent standards of daily animal care alongside outstanding customer service to adopters, supporters, and volunteers. You will work with a wide range of species including dogs, cats, small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets, as well as birds. The role is practical, physically active, and central to the smooth running of the shelter.
Key responsibilities:
- Deliver daily cleaning, feeding, and enrichment routines in line with welfare and behaviour plans
- Monitor animal health and behaviour and report concerns promptly
- Support veterinary visits, treatments, and medication administration as directed
- Maintain accurate records and daily logs
- Assist with safe handling and basic grooming
- Engage positively with adopters, volunteers, and members of the public
- Support events, promotions, and general shelter duties
- Work collaboratively within the team, promoting compassion and professionalism
- Work on a rota including weekends
Animal Care Assistant in Exeter employer: Rspca Littlevalley
Contact Detail:
Rspca Littlevalley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the shelter! Before your interview, spend some time visiting Little Valley Animal Shelter. Familiarise yourself with their work and the animals they care for. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for animal welfare! During your conversations, share your experiences with animals, whether it's volunteering or caring for pets. Let us see that you truly care about making a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for hands-on tasks! As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll be doing a lot of practical work. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills in handling animals and performing daily care routines during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy and serious about joining our team at Little Valley.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Care: When writing your application, let us see your love for animals shine through! Share any relevant experiences you have with pets or volunteering at shelters. This will help us understand why you're the perfect fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an Animal Care Assistant. We want to know how you can contribute to our mission of providing high standards of welfare and care.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
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 role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rspca Littlevalley
✨Know Your Animals
Familiarise yourself with the different species you'll be working with, especially dogs and cats. Brush up on their behaviours, needs, and common health issues. This knowledge will show your passion for animal care and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, share personal experiences that highlight your compassion for animals. Whether it's a story about volunteering or caring for a pet, these anecdotes can demonstrate your suitability for the role and align with the shelter's values.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about daily routines and how you'd handle specific situations, like an animal in distress. Think through scenarios beforehand and be ready to discuss your approach to animal welfare and teamwork in a busy environment.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively. Mention any past experiences where you’ve worked as part of a team, especially in a fast-paced setting. Highlighting your communication skills and willingness to support others will resonate well with the shelter's ethos.