Apprentice Animal Care Assistant

Beyond routine animal husbandry as listed in the core i.e. for animals with specific needs, unknown or unpredictable behaviour: i.e. animals recovering from routine operations such as neutering, or who may be obese, pregnant or fearful. Behaviour such as barking or pulling on the lead or who react unpredictably when meeting other animals.

• follow a prepared interaction/handling plan to prepare the animal and resources required i.e. muzzle, collar leads, harnesses, head collars, crush cage, grasper, snake hook, hoods
• undertake interaction/handling activities and use methods such as desensitisation and socialisation in accordance with the interaction/handling plan
• handle the animal throughout the interaction/handling to promote the animal’s health, normal behaviour and physical and emotional welfare
• monitor, report and record the response and welfare of the animal throughout interaction/handling activities
• apply techniques which take into account the animal’s welfare and emotional wellbeing, such as positive reinforcement to interact/handle the animal
• contribute to the assessment of an animal’s readiness for rehoming
• provide advice to customers/clients on the suitability of animals according to their circumstances and experience in line with the workplace policies and procedures
• support customers/clients during the rehoming/intake process and provide direction to further sources of information and guidance following rehoming of an animal
• contribute to the assessment of the animal during the intake process
• contribute to the matching process
• prepare means of transport appropriate for animals, ensuring serviceability and cleanliness
• prepare animals for movement and/or transportation taking into consideration their welfare potentially dealing with sick or injured animals
• use of appropriate equipment and methods to move and transport animals ensuring their safety and security
• monitor the physical and emotional health and welfare of animals during and after movement and transportation
• identify route and contingency plans
• identify if an animal required veterinary care and take appropriate action
• present a safe, friendly and welcoming reception for internal and external customers/clients/animals as appropriate
• provide information, advice, support and guidance on a range of topics such as animal care and welfare to customers/clients and seek advice when necessary
• use appropriate methods of technology for internal and external communication such as telephone, walkie talkies, email and scanning documents
• prepare, receive and store deliveries of goods including animal related products such as food stuffs and sundry items
• prepare and display stock for sale, including stock rotation
• take payment for goods, services and charitable donations
• process customer and animal registrations and bookings
• keep records for individual animals and people in line with the organisation’s procedures
• prepare animals and environment for mating
• monitor animals during parturition, recognising signs of difficulty
• carry out general care of animals through gestation
• prepare and manage pregnant animals pre and post parturition
• provide appropriate care and monitoring of neonates
• carry out procedures for caring for the young (once weaned) and introducing them to new environments
• socialise young animals appropriately
• fit and maintain appropriate equipment, ensuring the dog can operate safely
• conduct refresher/maintenance training with the support of a helper and dog trainer at an appropriate frequency to maintain the minimum standard of operational performance.
• interpret the dog’s behaviour and indications and react accordingly to the operational situation
• ensure that the dog team (handler and dog) maintains the minimum standard of operational performance as determined by national standards or the employers’ policies and procedures
• transport working dogs
• respond to collection requests
• identify wild animals that are suitable for rehabilitation and release
• plan and undertake rehabilitation for release into the wild
• capture and handle healthy and casualty wild animals
• move and transport wild animals appropriately
• release and monitor wild animals as appropriate
• carry out the hand rearing of wildlife species
• identify a range of different species (wildlife) or breeds (domestic) in order to understand the behavioural and ecological needs of the animal as well as be aware of the potential risks it may pose
• support, as directed, a veterinary surgeon / veterinary nurse in a clinical environment with: dealing with potential and actual emergency situations pre and post-operative care patient monitoring for example anaesthetic monitoring in-patient care diagnostic care/tests/X-rays – positioning and exposing the dispensing and administration of medication end of life care for pets and providing support for the owner

Training schedule

Training will typically take place one day per week at Bishop Burton College, with the remaining four days spent in the workplace. The training plan and attendance arrangements will be discussed in more detail during the college interview.

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 3/D)
• Maths (grade 3/D)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Other requirements

Applicants should be aware that this is a practical and physically active role involving direct contact with animals. Health and safety procedures must always be followed to protect staff, customers and the animals in their care.

Many duties take place outdoors throughout the year, so you must be prepared to work in all seasons and weather conditions. The role also involves cleaning animal accommodation, handling waste, and working around noise and strong smells.

Weekend working, including Sundays, is essential. Shifts begin at 7.30am, so applicants must consider how they will travel to work. Public transport may not provide a suitable service for some shifts, particularly on Sundays, therefore, you must check that you can reliably arrive on time before applying.

Carr Lane Kennels and Cattery is a friendly, family-run business based in Nafferton, providing short- and long-term boarding for dogs and cats, alongside dog training and a collection and drop-off service. Animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do, with each animal receiving care tailored to its individual needs and personality.

You will join an experienced and supportive team, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the daily care and welfare of a variety of dogs and cats. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about animals, enjoys practical work and wants to develop their knowledge, confidence and skills within the animal care industry.

https://www.boardingkennelsdriffield.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

The apprentice will receive the usual