** Please note you must be available to attend one online information and group recruitment session on Thursday 2nd March 10:30am - 1:30pm or Sunday 5th March 10:30am - 1:30pm plus one induction session onsite at Battersea Brands Hatch, Crowhurst Lane, Kent, TN15 7HH, on Thursday 30th March 8am - 5pm or Saturday 1st April 8am - 5pm if you wish to progress with your application. Unfortunately we do not have the capacity to change these recruitment sessions. **
Role Purpose
To assist animal welfare staff in maintaining the welfare of dogs in our care through tasks including cleaning kennels, laundry, making up feeds, in-kennel enrichment, and dog walking.
What would I be doing?
- Cleaning kennels
- Preparing meals for the dogs, washing up feeding equipment
- Helping to restock food, blankets, and toys
- Provide exercise and enrichment to alleviate stress
- Reporting any health or behaviour observations
- Helping to walk dogs after completion of training after 3 months of volunteering
- Undertake basic dog training in accordance with Battersea training methods if required & trained to do so
- Other kennel-related tasks as requested by Battersea staff
What we need from you?
- Good physical fitness to carry out the tasks with this role e.g., cleaning kennels
- Good communication skills with the ability to listen and take instruction
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team?
- Someone who is comfortable around all sizes of dogs
What this role will offer you?
- Support and training provided throughout
- Training in Battersea’s canine welfare and training methods
- The opportunity to gain experience within an animal charity
- Learn great new skills to add to your CV
- We reimburse any out-of-pocket travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us
Time commitment
-One day a week, on the same day each week, from 8:30am to 4pm. We ask that volunteers stay in this role for at least 6 months.
Before registering your interest for this role, carefully consider whether you feel able to carry out this role as you will be working with all dogs who come into the Battersea and will therefore encounter dogs who are put to sleep due to behavioural reasons, medical reasons or due to the dog being classed as coming under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as an illegal breed.
Please also be aware that this is a physically demanding role that involves a considerable amount of cleaning, it is also rewarding work and can make a huge difference to the dogs in our care.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in this role, please complete our online application form.
We are dedicated to making our volunteer recruitment process inclusive to everybody. If you require any additional support through any stage of application to this role, please let us know when you complete our application form. This will mean we can provide reasonable support required for you to flourish in our application process.
*Please note - you must be over 18 to volunteer at Battersea.
We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments and alleviating any stress during the recruitment process for those with physical and neuro diversities, whether this is adjusting environments, sensory preferences, answering questions or adapting communication styles. If you require adaptive support with your application, please email v.coordinator@battersea.org.uk. Any declaration of any disabilities or differences will be treated confidentially and compassionately.