Transfer Centre Canine Assistant

We are seeking a passionate individual with a commitment to animal welfare to join our team of Transfer Centre Canine Assistants to work in our busy Penrith Transfer Centre.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and normally cares for around 14,000 dogs across its network of 21 rehoming centres in the UK and one in Dublin. Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy and will never put a healthy dog to sleep.

The Transfer Centre at Penrith is an integral part of the Operations department and cares for approximately 1,800 dogs per year. The centre exists to:

• Provide overnight rest and accommodation for dogs travelling from stray pounds in Northern Ireland, North West England and Scotland;
• Collect unclaimed stray dogs from pounds in Cumbria, Ayrshire, Lothian, Fife (and other areas as required), and facilitate the safe onward transfer of the dogs to Rehoming Centres, primarily in Scotland and the North of England;
• Support the central Logistics team and assist with outbound transfers from the Transfer Centre to Dogs Trust Rehoming Centres;
• Support internal transfers from our Centre in Northern Ireland to Rehoming Centres in Scotland and the North of England, by providing safe transport between locations. This will involve a night away from home;
• Develop the Home from Home (HfH) fostering project, carrying out home visits and transfers for potential foster carers and adopters, and rehoming dogs through our fostering network.

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with the ability to show empathy to both people and animals. A strong team player, with the confidence to work alone when required, you'll have lots of energy teamed with a positive upbeat attitude. Experienced in working with or handling dogs, you'll be knowledgeable in basic behaviour and health issues and above all committed to the aims and objectives of Dogs Trust. A full, manual driving licence is also essential, as driving will be a part of the role.

This is a varied role that requires attention to detail and the adaptability to cope with a fast-paced changing environment. The successful candiate can also expect to maintain the cleanliness of our transfer facilities to the highest standards.

Normal hours in this role are 40 per week. The expected working pattern would be 5 shifts per week, which may include some late shifts (11am – 8pm). Weekend working will be agreed with the line manager and is likely to be at least two weekends per month. The rota can require you to work on Bank Holidays. The role will also include night duties (5pm-8am), which will require staying on site in staff accommodation. This role will involve some lone working.

Interviews for this role will be held at Penrith Transfer Centre on Tuesday 28th March 2023, with successful candidates returning for a second practical interview on Wednesday 29th March OR Thursday 30th March.

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a CV and a cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role.

At Dogs Trust we value diversity and we're committed to creating an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to achieve our mission. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, either at application or interview stage, please contact us here.