At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for dogs, ensuring their health and well-being in a kennel environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee well-being.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal welfare while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Must be physically fit, reliable, and passionate about animal care.
The predicted salary is between 30288 - 32070 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary Scale: 4 £30,288 to £32,070
Contract Type: Full-time/Fixed Term Contract (12 months)
Number of openings: 2
Working hours per week: 36 (07:00 to 15:00 / 14:00 to 22:00 5 of 7 Rota)
Application Deadline: 10/09/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): TBC
Reference: 2302
About the role:
To ensure that all dogs at the Council's kennelling facility are properly cared for and in good health. This will include the cleansing of the kennels and other areas, provision of suitable food, water, bedding, exercise, veterinary care and sleeping considerations. This will include the transportation of dogs as required.
Key Responsibilities:
- To collect stray dogs from members of the public or police stations or other locations as required.
- Ensure that kennels are in a safe and secure condition at all times and are thoroughly cleansed.
- Notify the Dog Enforcement Team Leader or relevant supervisor if any dogs appear to be sick or injured.
- Undertake necessary administrative duties in respect of dogs received, kennelled, reclaimed and re-housed.
- Ensure that all enquiries in relation to kennelled dogs are dealt with in accordance with Council policy.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Physically fit and capable of working outdoors and indoors in all weather conditions.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to change shifts at short notice when operational requirements dictate.
- Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Committed to maintaining high standards of animal welfare and kennel hygiene.
- Able to undertake physically demanding tasks, including lifting equipment, cleaning kennels, and handling dogs safely.
- Good observational skills, with the ability to identify and report changes in a dog's health, behaviour, or welfare.
- Basic record-keeping and communication skills.
- A calm and patient approach when working with nervous, reactive, or challenging dogs.
- Willingness to work weekends, bank holidays, and occasional unsocial hours as required.
- A full UK driving licence is essential.
- Professional and courteous manner when dealing with colleagues, dog owners, and members of the public.
- Ability to follow procedures, risk assessments, and health and safety requirements.
- Commitment to safeguarding animal welfare and promoting responsible dog ownership.
Terms and Conditions:
- Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks.
- Satisfactory declaration of interest.
- Suitable driver’s licence.
- As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is committed to meeting its equality objectives.
If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below or feel free to discuss this during your interview.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Philip Nash, Manager Dog Enforcement Team at Philip.Nash@walthamforest.gov.uk.
Kennel Officer employer: Waltham Forest Council
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that champions diversity and inclusion. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and flexible working arrangements, the Council fosters a culture where innovation thrives and every voice is valued. As a proud holder of the Mayor of London's Good Work Standard, Waltham Forest provides its employees with meaningful opportunities to contribute to the community while advancing their careers in a supportive setting.
