Dog Welfare Assistant (22.5 hours per week)

Dogs Trust; Basildon; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Dogs Trust, Basildon, seeks a Dog Welfare Assistant on a 22.5‑hour‑per‑week contract. You will provide daily care to dogs in the rehoming centre, following our code of practice and health and safety guidelines, while enriching their lives and preparing them for their forever homes.

The role requires empathy, clear communication and teamwork. A full, manual driving licence is essential as driving may be part of duties, and responsibilities include public engagement and helping visitors at the

Responsibilities

• provide daily care to the dogs in the rehoming centre, working to Dogs Trust's code of practice and Health and Safety guidelines
• educate potential new owners and the general public on the care and welfare of their dogs
• deliver excellent customer service to all visitors to the centre.

Job description

Dog Welfare Assistant (22.5 hours per week)

Application Deadline: 6 October 2026

Department: Rehoming

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Basildon

Compensation: £15,150 pro rata (full time equivalent £25,250) per year + benefits

Description

Have you always had an itch to scratch when it comes to helping dogs? We’re looking for someone with a commitment to animal welfare to join the team in our busy rehoming centre. Dog Welfare Assistants are the backbone of our centres, as they care for our four-legged friends every day. We’re looking for someone who can provide our dogs with the highest level of care and enrichment, as they prepare for their forever home.

What does this role do?

As Dog Welfare Assistant, you’ll:

• provide daily care to the dogs in the rehoming centre, working to Dogs Trust's code of practice and Health and Safety guidelines,
• educate potential new owners and the general public on the care and welfare of their dogs,
• deliver excellent customer service to all visitors to the centre.

Could this be you?

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with the ability to show empathy to both people and animals. A strong team player, you'll have lots of energy and a positive upbeat attitude. Experienced in working with or handling dogs, you'll be knowledgeable in basic behaviour and health issues and, above all, be 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.

What does this team do?

Our rehoming centres house thousands of dogs each year until they can find a loving new home and the success of our centres wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers; there is a real family-community within each of our centres. Come rain or shine, our team are out in all weathers to make sure the dogs have the best possible life. Dealing with thousands of visitors each month, our rehoming centres are the face of Dogs Trust, and we pride ourselves on our staff providing the very best in customer service.