Provide attentive, reliable care for animals, maintaining their health, comfort, and welfare in accordance with established standards and procedures. The Animal Caretaker will carry out daily feeding, cleaning, handling, and observation duties, report any concerns promptly, and help keep animal areas and equipment safe, clean, and well maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Feed and provide fresh water to animals according to care plans, schedules, and dietary requirements.

• Clean, disinfect, and maintain animal enclosures, bedding, feeding areas, and other facilities in line with hygiene procedures.

• Observe animals regularly and report changes in behaviour, appetite, appearance, or health to the supervisor or veterinary professional.

• Handle, restrain, and move animals safely and appropriately, following established guidance and taking account of each animal’s needs.

• Support routine care activities, including grooming, exercise, enrichment, and other welfare tasks as required.

• Assist with administering medication or carrying out treatment only as instructed and in accordance with authorised procedures.

• Maintain accurate records of feeding, care routines, behaviour, health observations, medication, and incidents.

• Monitor food, bedding, cleaning products, and other supplies, and report replenishment requirements to the supervisor or manager.

• Check enclosures, fencing, equipment, and facilities for damage or hazards, and report faults or safety concerns promptly.

• Follow procedures for animal intake, identification, handling, isolation, transport, and release where applicable.

• Maintain clean, tidy, and organised work areas, storage spaces, and animal-care equipment.

• Communicate professionally with colleagues, visitors, and members of the public, providing appropriate information within the scope of the role.

• Follow animal welfare, biosecurity, infection control, health and safety, and emergency procedures.

• Use personal protective equipment and cleaning products safely, and report accidents, injuries, escapes, or other incidents in accordance with procedures.

• Perform other relevant animal care duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager.

Requirements

• Previous experience caring for animals in a kennel, cattery, farm, rescue centre, veterinary practice, zoo, or similar setting is desirable.

• Genuine interest in animal welfare and an understanding of the importance of safe, compassionate, and consistent care.

• Ability to follow feeding schedules, care plans, hygiene procedures, and instructions accurately.

• Confidence handling animals safely and calmly, with a willingness to learn appropriate handling techniques.

• Good observation skills and the ability to recognise and report changes in animal behaviour or condition.

• Reliable, responsible, and attentive, with strong standards of cleanliness and attention to detail.

• Good organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to complete routine tasks and prioritise urgent welfare needs.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Physically able to stand, walk, bend, and carry out practical tasks for extended periods, including lifting or moving supplies where required.

• Comfortable working in a range of indoor and outdoor conditions and around animals, cleaning products, and associated odours.

• Flexible to work shifts, including weekends and public holidays, in line with operational requirements.