Animal Care Assistant

Job Posted: 17 February 2026

• Contract Term: Fixed Term
• Location: Rookley, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Part time
• Salary: £14,871
• Industries: Charity / Voluntary Veterinary

We have a vacancy for an Animal Care Assistant at the RSPCA Animal Centre, near Rookley.

The RSPCA cares for some of the Island's most vulnerable animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, small animals and wildlife. We also run busy commercial boarding business looking after cats and dogs while their owners are on holiday. Following recent expansion, we're looking for an additional member of staff primarily to support our boarding kennels.

We're interested in hearing from applicants with a range of animal-care experience, but particularly with dogs. Our team work flexibly across the centre, so experience of working with other animals is desirable.

Job Role

Attending to the needs of the animals in our care, including enrichment activities, grooming, and the administration of medications.

Regular walks and exercising with our boarding dogs.

Cleaning all areas of the centre, including animal accommodation, isolation, and exercise areas; food preparation, laundry, and storage facilities to maintain to a high standard of cleanliness.

Welcoming boarding customers, and managing their check-in and check-out.

Carrying out routine health checks on animals, looking for signs of infection or abnormality. Working with our visiting vets, and taking animals off-site for veterinary treatments where required.

Providing training and support to the team of volunteers who work at the animal centre.

Working with the general public to rehome animals, including meeting potential adopters, assessing their suitability and providing post-adoption advice.

Working Hours: The post is for 3 days per week - 22.5 hours each week. Our team work on a 3-week rota, which includes weekend working.

This role is initially a seasonal position to the start of November, with the ambition to make this a permanent role.

Job requirements

A passion for caring for animals is essential, together with a commitment to working in the charity sector, and upholding the values of the RSPCA.

Applicants must have professional experience of animal care and Animal Management Level 2 diploma or equivalent animal related qualification.

The role may include taking animals to the vets. A driving licence is therefore desirable.