LOUGHBOROUGH REHOMING CENTRE
Job Title:
Canine Carer 1 (Weekends)
Reporting to:
Rehoming Centre Manager / RC Assistant Manager
Location:
Dogs Trust Loughborough Rehoming Centre
Revised:
October 2015
Summary
Working to Dogs Trust’s codes of practice and Health and Safety guidelines, to provide daily care for the dogs in the
Rehoming Centre. To educate potential new owners and the general public in the care and welfare of their dogs.
Duties
Dog Welfare
 Under the instruction of the Management Team, prepare and provide food and water for all dogs in your care, exercise
them, administer medicine to them and groom them as directed.
 In accordance with Dogs Trust SOPs and centre protocols, clean, disinfect and maintain to a high standard of
cleanliness, animal accommodation, drains, isolation and exercise areas, food preparation areas and surrounding
outside areas.
 Use only Dogs Trust approved methods and equipment to handle, move and restraint the dogs.
 In accordance with Dogs Trust SOPs and centre protocols, complete intake behavioural assessments on newly arrived
dogs and continue monitoring the dogs behaviour during their time at the centre.
 In accordance with Dogs Trust SOPs and centre protocols, rehome dogs by discussing and matching them to interested
parties.
 Carry out routine daily health checks on the dogs in your care and report any physical or behavioural changes to the
Management Team.
 Assist with and implement behaviour / training programmes under the supervision of the Training and Behaviour
Advisors, Canine Carer Trainers or Assistant Manager (Operations).
Visitors, colleagues and volunteers
 Present a professional and friendly approach to customers and visitors to the centre both face to face and on the
telephone with the aim of exceeding expectations.
 Ensure all stakeholder queries are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner by being helpful and understanding at all
times.
 Working in accordance with centre protocols and with potential rehomers, make considered decisions on suitable canine
matches, using your negotiation and influencing skills to explain the reasons for those decisions.
 Develop close working relationships with colleagues and volunteers across the centre and wider organisation ensuring
individuals are treated courteously and with respect.
 Work proactively with the centre management team to ensure good team morale and positive approach to centre life.
 Respond promptly to radio calls for assistance from colleagues and stakeholders.
 Support, train and assist centre volunteers in a variety of roles across the centre.
Page 1 of 3
Attitude and contribution
 Embody the Dogs Trust brand by being positive, happy, upbeat, dynamic and passionate about dogs. You should be
willing to regularly go the extra mile for the dogs and stakeholders.
 Be understanding of the challenges faced by a busy rehoming centre and contribute ideas to maximise promotion of
dogs for rehoming.
 Willingness to learn and develop by attending in-house training sessions and organisation led courses.
Maintenance and record keeping
 Carry out general housekeeping duties as appropriate e.g. laundry room, veterinary room, storage areas, etc.
 Maintain accurate paper and electronic records including kennel diaries, whiteboards and any other paperwork.
 Report any faulty or damaged equipment to the Management Team or Maintenance Operatives.
Fundraising
 Assist with promotional and fundraising events.
Other requirements
 Carry out any other duties as required by the Management Team.
 Timely reporting of any accidents, incidents or near misses to ensure appropriate measures can be taken.
Person Specification
Criteria
Skills and attributes
Knowledge
Essential
How assessed
Excellent communication
(verbal and written) and
interpersonal skills
Self motivator with lots of
energy, enthusiasm and
ideas
Positive, upbeat and happy
disposition
Application form, short
written assessment and
interview
Application form and
interview
Flexibility and empathy
towards people and
animals
Willingness to learn and
develop
Interview
Interview
Application form and
interview
Basic level of knowledge of
canine health conditions
Knowledge of positive
reinforcement training
techniques
Qualification in animal
care/welfare
Application form, short
written assessment and
interview
Application form
Experience working or
volunteering with variety of
dogs (breeds, ages,
temperaments)
Experience of working with
dogs in a rehoming/welfare
environment
Application form and
interview
Qualifications
Experience
Desirable
Page 2 of 3
Other requirements
Commitment to the aims
and objectives of Dog Trust
Application form and
interview
Experience in a customer
facing role
Application form and
interview
Current driving license
Application form
Good level of physical
fitness due to the strenuous
nature of the role.
Interview
The Canine Carer will be a representative of Dogs Trust and therefore the image presented is important. A uniform is
provided and must be worn during working hours.
In the interests of health and safety and to perform a physically active job, staff are required to maintain a suitable level of
fitness to enable them to perform their job effectively and may be required to undergo periodic fitness assessments which will
be provided by Dogs Trust.
About the role
The Canine Carer role is essential in providing high levels of care for the dogs in the centre.
The centre houses approximately 100 dogs and a team of approx 50 staff including 30+ Canine Carers, all working shifts
between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and alternate weekends from 8am-5pm to provide daily care.
The Canine Carer role is a practical, busy, physical role working outdoors in all weathers. Canine Carers work with a large
variety of dogs providing the daily care needs plus any necessary training required. The centre aims to exceed expectations
and carers are paramount in providing first class customer service to all stakeholders to strengthen the reputation of the
centre.
Weekend role
The centre is extremely busy with visitors at weekends and the weekend canine carers are required to work efficiently and
effectively to maintain the high levels of care to the dogs. Good organisation and strong initiative skills are essential for
working in this fast paced environment to ensure maximum support to the staff rehoming the dogs.
Page 3 of 3