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- Tasks: Walk dogs, provide care, and help them develop social skills for rehoming.
- Company: Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, a community-focused animal rescue.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new friends, and make a difference in animals' lives.
- Why this job: Be part of a loving community and help dogs find their forever homes.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a good understanding of dogs, and be physically fit.
- Other info: Training provided, travel expenses reimbursed, and a fun, supportive environment.
Do you like long walks with a canine companion? Are you happy to go out in all weathers, rain or shine? Would you like to help dogs who are looking for a new home? This volunteering opportunity may also include cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining kennels to a standard of cleanliness as required, as well as coat care and grooming. Lots of the dogs in our care have never been able to experience life in a loving home. Whilst they wait to be chosen by a special someone who can give them a second chance in a forever home, they receive lots of love, care and attention at our animal centres. Our volunteer dog walkers play an important role. They get regular walks and time for interaction with people and other dogs, which helps the dogs develop the socialisation skills needed for successful rehoming.
You’ll need to be over 18 years of age and able to commit at least 4 hours per week. If you have any experience with dogs or none, we’ll provide the training you need.
What you will be doing:
- Walking allocated dogs as directed by the volunteer coordinator or member of staff
- Ensuring that dogs are kept on a lead at all times
- Following the dog walking guidelines provided by the centre
- Following all health and safety rules and guidelines, and ensuring that any accidents or incidents are reported immediately, using the procedure in place at the centre
- Assisting with the assessment of dogs when directed by staff and where appropriate
- Attending appropriate training courses as required by the centre
The skills you need:
- Volunteers must be aged 18 years or over
- A good knowledge of dogs and ability to read their behaviour
- Must feel comfortable around dogs and have a patient and understanding nature
- Able and confident to walk dogs of all ages and sizes
- Must have the ability to follow instructions, as some of our dogs can be strong and need training so good physical health is necessary
What's in it for you:
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Learn great new skills to add to your CV
- A great induction and training relevant to your role
- Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of the local community
- You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals
- We are happy to reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us
Disclaimer:
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our simple online Health & Safety assessment. At the RSPCA we don’t want you to be out of pocket by volunteering, so we are happy to reimburse any agreed out of pocket expenses you incur whilst volunteering. All volunteer dog walkers must ensure that they use the appropriate equipment that has been provided by the centre and that this equipment is returned to the centre as directed at the end of the volunteering session. If a volunteer has any concerns or questions regarding a particular dog or their role as a dog walker, they should speak to a member of staff or the volunteer coordinator, if applicable, immediately.
Dog Walker (Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, Aylesbury) 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 Dog Walker (Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, Aylesbury)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the centre! Before you apply, pop in for a visit. Chat with the staff and other volunteers to get a feel for the place. This shows your genuine interest and helps us see how you fit into the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your dog skills! If you've got experience with dogs, share some stories during your interview. Talk about how you've handled different breeds or situations. It’ll help us understand your comfort level around our furry friends.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for anything! Since you'll be walking dogs in all weathers, come prepared for rain or shine. Show us that you're adaptable and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get started. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end, making it smoother for both you and us. Don’t miss out on this pawsome opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Dog Walker (Blackberry Farm Animal Centre, Aylesbury)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dogs: When you're writing your application, let us know how much you love dogs! Share any experiences you've had with them, whether it's walking, training, or just spending time with them. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences without rambling. This helps us get a quick understanding of why you'd be a great fit!
Follow the Guidelines: Make sure to read our job description carefully and follow any specific instructions we’ve provided. This shows us that you can follow guidelines, which is super important when working with our furry friends!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
✨Know Your Canines
Brush up on your dog knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different breeds, their behaviours, and how to read their body language. This will show that you’re not just a dog lover but also someone who understands their needs.
✨Dress for the Occasion
While it’s a volunteering role, make sure to dress appropriately for an outdoor environment. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, as this reflects your readiness to get involved in the hands-on work of walking dogs, rain or shine.
✨Show Your Commitment
Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to commit at least 4 hours a week. Highlight any previous experience with animals, even if it’s informal, to demonstrate your dedication to helping dogs find their forever homes.
✨Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the interview. Inquire about the training provided, the types of dogs you’ll be working with, and the centre's policies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand what’s expected of you.
