At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for dogs and cats, including feeding, exercising, and cleaning.
- Company: Join Mayhew, a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced annual leave, Health Cash Plans, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals while working with a caring team.
- Qualifications: Experience with dogs and cats, plus a calm and friendly attitude required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; apply early as positions may close quickly.
Closing date for applications: Rolling, however, applying early is advised.
First interview date: First interviews are held over Microsoft Teams.
Second interview date: Candidates successful at first interview will be offered a trial shift at the Home as part of the selection process.
Every dog and cat in need deserves expert, personalised care and support, and to be loved. When you work for Mayhew, you understand that better than ever. We’re a passionate, committed and diverse team of c80 staff and c150 volunteers, here for dogs, cats and communities in the UK, in Afghanistan and in Georgia. We offer expert veterinary care, rescue and rehoming services, programmes in the community and guidance and support to improve the lives of dogs and cats in need.
We do our best for dogs and cats in need every day, working with colleagues across the sector to improve their lives and to give them the care, support and love they deserve. But it’s our warmth, creativity and care that touch lives. Here, we take the time to really get to know the dogs and cats we care for and those who love them.
We are recruiting Animal Carers who will share our compassion and commitment for animal welfare to work across our Kennels and Cattery. Working with staff and volunteers across the Home, you will have a hand in helping all the dogs and cats in our care, from feeding, exercising, cleaning and socialising to rehoming. This can be physically and emotionally demanding but is also hugely rewarding.
We offer a caring and supportive team, lots of variety and the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of dogs and cats who rely on us. Working on a 3-weekly rotation across our Kennels, Cattery, our Animal Carers are a crucial part of our work. We operate 7-days a week; shift patterns can be viewed in the job description.
Mayhew offers a variety of employee benefits, from enhanced annual leave from day one to Health Cash Plans.
Generally, you will:
- Work flexibly in a team environment, often independently, to meet the specific needs of dogs and cats in our care by helping with their feeding, exercise, training, assessments, grooming and care plans.
- Make sure the animals’ accommodation and all associated areas are clean and maintained.
- Help other team members with animal admissions, rehoming and fostering, including supporting interviews with potential adopters and foster carers.
To be successful in this role, you need:
- Experience in handling dogs and cats and caring for them.
- A calm, compassionate, resilient and friendly manner.
Please note that successful candidates will be asked to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.
We reserve the right to close this post at any time, should we receive a high volume of applications.
Contact Detail:
The Mayhew Animal Home Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Carer – Kennels & Cattery
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Mayhew's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your passion for animals with their goals during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the trial shift by researching common behaviours and needs of dogs and cats. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you perform well during the practical assessment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Mayhew if possible. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable in tailoring your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your hands-on experience with animals during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've cared for pets in the past, as this will showcase your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Carer – Kennels & Cattery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Animal Carer position. Highlight your relevant experience with dogs and cats in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in animal care. Include specific examples of your work with animals, focusing on your skills in handling, feeding, and caring for them.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare. Explain why you want to work at Mayhew and how your values align with their mission to provide expert care for dogs and cats.
Prepare for Interviews: Since interviews are conducted via Microsoft Teams, ensure you have a quiet space and a reliable internet connection. Prepare to discuss your experience and how you handle the emotional demands of working with animals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mayhew Animal Home
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love and commitment to animal welfare during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to caring for animals, as this aligns with the values of the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience with dogs and cats. Highlight specific tasks you've performed, such as feeding, grooming, or training, and how these experiences have equipped you for the role of an Animal Carer.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about scenarios you might face in the role and how you would respond, showcasing your calm and compassionate approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team, the animals, or the organisation's future plans. This shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.