Animal Care Assistant

Animal Care Assistant

Glasgow Full-Time 9523 - 9524 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Scottish SPCA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Care for animals, assist with treatments, and help them find loving homes.
  • Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity.
  • Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals and their future families.
  • Qualifications: Experience with animals and excellent customer service skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to learn and grow in animal care.

The predicted salary is between 9523 - 9524 £ per year.

We are currently looking for an Animal Care Assistant to join the team at the Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre on a part‑time basis for a period of 6 months. This centre offers rehabilitation and rehoming to domestic animals. If this sounds like a role you would be interested in, please read on for more information.

Hours – 15 hours per week, 4 days across 14 days including weekend working on a rota basis

Salary – £9523.80 per annum (£23,809.50 per annum FTE)

Contract Type – 6 months fixed‑term contract

About The Scottish SPCA As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have been on‑hand to protect animals and prevent cruelty since 1839 – that’s over 185 years of creating a better world for all animals. We’ve grown to become a national charity which celebrates the strength of the human‑animal bond and enriches the lives of animals and people. We are Scotland’s animal champions.

What does an Animal Care Assistant do? Our Animal Care Assistants are there to provide a safe environment for all animals whilst in the care of the animal rescue and rehoming centre and to help animals find loving new homes. Working with many different types of animals, no day will ever look the same. The role requires feeding and grooming the animals as well as clearing out their accommodation and ensuring each animal gets the appropriate exercise and socialisation they need. Many of the animals in our care also need routine health checks completed including administering relevant medicines, and this is the role of the Animal Care Assistant to provide this action when required.

Overview Of Main Duties And Responsibilities

  • Assist with any treatments, medications, births and general care of all animals within the ARRC
  • Maintain and monitor accurate animal record following and updating each animal’s care plan as required
  • Attend to the welfare needs of all animals (food preparation/feeding routines, grooming & exercising)
  • Animal accommodation, isolation areas, pens, treatment rooms and exercise facilities are maintained to strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene
  • Handle enquiries from the general public and provide excellent customer service
  • Conduct educational tours of the centre
  • Assist with home checks for rehoming animals
  • Assist with the humane destruction of animals including carcass disposal in line with the Society’s policy of not putting healthy animals to sleep
  • Promote Scottish SPCA membership to the public where appropriate
  • Complete general administration duties
  • Provide key holder duties in case of sickness/emergency where applicable

What makes a good Animal Care Assistant?

  • Practical experience working with animals
  • Experience working with the general public
  • Previous experience in a customer‑focused environment
  • Excellent customer care and communication skills
  • Good attention to detail
  • Good IT skills
  • A commitment to animal welfare
  • Resilient and calm approach to the role
  • Ability to act with professional integrity
  • Flexible approach
  • Able to work well within a team
  • A willingness to work within group shift pattern

We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended. This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications. The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equine Welfare Member of the National Equine Welfare Council. Scottish Charity No SC 006467

Animal Care Assistant employer: Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about animal welfare at our Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide a supportive work culture that values teamwork and integrity, alongside flexible working hours that allow for a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and their future families while being part of Scotland's leading animal welfare charity.
Scottish SPCA

Contact Detail:

Scottish SPCA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the Scottish SPCA and their mission! Understanding their values and what they stand for will help you connect with the team during your interview. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your animal care skills! Whether it's handling different types of animals or discussing your experience with customer service, being prepared to share real-life examples will make you stand out. We all love a good story!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! This shows your enthusiasm and helps you figure out if the role is right for you. Think about what you want to know about the team, the animals, or the work environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance! Early applications are key, especially for popular roles like this one. So, don’t wait around – get your application in and show us why you’d be a great fit!

We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant

Practical Experience Working with Animals
Customer Care Skills
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
IT Skills
Commitment to Animal Welfare
Resilience
Calm Approach
Professional Integrity
Teamwork
Flexibility
Ability to Handle Enquiries
Record Keeping
Animal Grooming
Exercise and Socialisation of Animals

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with animals and customer service. We want to see how your skills match the role of an Animal Care Assistant, so don’t hold back!

Show Your Passion: Let your love for animals shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely committed to animal welfare, so share any relevant experiences or stories that showcase your dedication.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon and keep it simple!

Apply Early: Since we might close applications earlier than expected due to high interest, it’s best to get your application in as soon as possible. Head over to our website and submit your application today!

How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish SPCA

✨Know Your Animals

Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of different animal species and their care needs. Being able to discuss specific animals and their behaviours will show your passion and understanding of the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to share examples from your past experiences working with animals or in customer service. Highlight any relevant skills, like handling enquiries or providing care, to demonstrate you’re a great fit for the team.

✨Emphasise Teamwork

Since this role involves working closely with others, be ready to talk about your ability to collaborate. Share instances where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, especially in high-pressure situations.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the centre’s approach to animal welfare or how they handle challenging situations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

Animal Care Assistant
Scottish SPCA
Location: Glasgow
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