Kennel Attendant

Job Description

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

Purpose Of The Role

As a Kennel Attendant, the post holder is responsible for the day-to-day care & management of Police Dogs in kennels, with your main priority being the environment in which our dogs reside whilst in kennels. Kennel Attendants are responsible for maintaining high levels of cleanliness & hygiene of the kennelling & whelping facilities, while also providing exercise to Police Dogs in kennels. Support to the Puppy Development Programme includes assisting with mating and whelping of puppies.

All Kennel Attendants are expected to support whelping, which involves an overnight on-call rota for puppy delivery. They are also responsible for ensuring dogs receive veterinary treatment & grooming. The role is physically demanding, working a 3 on, 2 off shift pattern, including early and late shifts ending at 2130.

Our kennelling strategy emphasizes cleanliness & biosecurity to ensure optimal environments for our dogs, requiring regular physical cleaning throughout shifts. Handling operational Police Dogs, including detection (spaniels/Labradors) & general-purpose (GSD/Malinois), is a key aspect of the role, requiring confidence and risk mitigation skills.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cleaning kennels regularly throughout the day
2. Maintaining high standards of biosecurity, cleanliness, & hygiene in kennelling & whelping facilities
3. Providing exercise to Police Dogs in kennels
4. Preparing daily food for Police Dogs
5. Grooming Police Dogs
6. Conducting veterinary visits with Police Dogs
7. Administering daily medical treatments to Police Dogs
8. Supporting Puppy Development Programme with mating & whelping
9. Maintaining accurate Police Dog boarding records
10. Working a shift pattern including public holidays, weekends, and unsociable hours
11. Being ‘on call’ for puppy whelping

Qualifications

Essential

• High standards of cleanliness & hygiene
• Experience handling/working with working dogs
• Experience in whelping & delivering puppies
• Experience in mating dogs
• Full UK Driving Licence
• First Aid At Work qualification (can be obtained in post)

Desirable

• Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office)
• Experience working with volunteers
• Animal Behaviour Qualification

Skills

• Confidence around working dogs
• High integrity & professionalism
• Motivated and seeking a challenging role
• Ability to work independently and flexibly
• Analytical problem-solving skills

Hours and Location

Shift basis 3 on, 2 off. Based at Dog Training Centre, Balsall Common.

Vetting

Successful applicants will undergo recruitment vetting and counter-terrorism clearance, including background and financial checks.

Medical

Medical checks, drugs test, and fitness test as required.

Interview

TBC

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration, progression, and pension scheme
• Enhanced annual leave and public holiday entitlement
• Discounts on travel, parking, and leisure activities
• Wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests, and flu jabs

Additional Information

Prospective staff must adhere to high standards of behaviour and accountability. The role involves handling operational Police Dogs and supporting the whelping of puppies, with physical and shift work demands. The position is based in a diverse and busy police environment serving the West Midlands.

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