Animal Care Assistant

Do you have hands-on experience working with a range of domestic pets and want a role where you can make a real difference?

RSPCA Derby is looking for an Animal Care Assistant to join our animal care team at Abbey Street, providing high standards of daily care and welfare for the dogs, cats, rabbits, small animals and birds in our centre.

As an independent, self-funded local charity, we rely entirely on the funds we raise ourselves to provide food, shelter, veterinary treatment and second chances for animals who need us most. Our Animal Care Assistants are at the heart of everything we do - caring for animals every day and helping them on their journey to a happy new home.

Working under the direction of our Animal Care Manager, Deputy Animal Care Manager and Team Leaders, you'll be an important part of a dedicated and close-knit team.

Key details

Location: RSPCA Derby, 45 Abbey Street, Derby, DE22 3SJ.

Hours: 35 hours per week, on a rota basis (Monday to Sunday, 8.30am-4.30pm)

Bank Holiday and occasional evening working may be required.

Salary: £11.07-£12.96 per hour (2% above minimum wage, dependent on age)

Please note this role is only open to people aged 18+ due to our insurance.

About the role

This is a hands-on, physically demanding and emotionally involved role, and it's one of the most important we have. Many of the animals in our care have come from backgrounds involving neglect, abuse or trauma, and some have complex behavioural needs as a result. The ability to remain calm, compassionate and emotionally resilient is just as important as practical experience - this is something to consider carefully before applying.

Responsibilities include:

• Carrying out daily health and welfare checks and reporting concerns appropriately
• Preparing and providing food and water in line with individual dietary requirements
• Cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining animal accommodation, exercise areas and associated facilities to a high standard
• Safely handling, restraining and exercising animals of varying species, breeds, sizes and temperaments
• Providing grooming, bathing and general husbandry appropriate to each species
• Administering medications, treatments and first aid under veterinary or management direction
• Implementing and monitoring welfare plans, including training, rehabilitation, socialisation and enrichment programmes
• Accurately recording and reporting changes in animal health, behaviour and welfare
• Assisting with the rehoming process, including meeting potential adopters and supporting adoption appointments
• Providing excellent customer service to adopters, volunteers, visitors and members of the public
• Supporting reception duties and other areas of the animal centre when needed

Because we work in a busy, fast-paced environment, this role suits someone who is practical, patient, proactive and committed to the highest standards of animal welfare.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone who has:

• At least 3 years' experience working in a rescue, boarding, veterinary, kennel, cattery or other professional animal handling environment
• Experience handling a variety of animal species
• Experience administering medications or treatments to animals
• Experience implementing animal care, training or rehabilitation plans
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-focused approach
• An understanding of positive reinforcement training principles and animal welfare across a range of companion species
• Good organisational and record-keeping skills, including confidence using computer systems
• Physical fitness and the ability to carry out demanding manual duties throughout the working day

A qualification in animal care or a related subject and a full UK manual driving licence would be beneficial, but are not essential.

You must be compassionate, emotionally resilient, reliable and genuinely committed to the welfare of animals in our care.

Why join our team?

RSPCA Derby is a small, independent local charity making a real difference for rescue animals across Derbyshire.

This role offers the chance to:

• Play a direct and meaningful part in the care and rehabilitation of rescue animals
• Utilise your animal care skills and experience within a dedicated professional team
• Work with a close-knit team of staff and volunteers who share your passion for animal welfare
• Be part of a local organisation where your contribution truly matters

Key dates

Closing date: Wednesday 28 July 2026

Interview date: Monday 3 August 2026

Trial date: Friday 7 August 2026

How to apply

Please read the job description and person specification before applying.

Click to view the Job Description and Person Specification

If you're aged 18+ and would like to apply, please send your full CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification to: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application. We may not be able to respond to each application received, but we will be in touch if we would like to invite you to interview.