Animal Care Assistant
Animal Care Assistant
Location: Exeter, DevonHours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week on a rota basisSalary: £24,784.50 per annum, subject to review April 2026Reports to: Shelter Management Team
About Little Valley Animal Shelter
Little Valley Animal Shelter is an independent, self-funded branch of the RSPCA, forming the Devon Branch. Based just outside Exeter, we have been supporting animals in need for over 180 years and have been located at Little Valley since 1990.
We are dedicated to providing high standards of welfare, compassionate care, and appropriate rehabilitation until animals are ready for rehoming. Our team includes around 50 staff members and over 100 volunteers working across the shelter and our charity shops throughout Devon.
The role
We are seeking an Animal Care Assistant to provide excellent standards of daily animal care alongside outstanding customer service to adopters, supporters, and volunteers.
You will work with a wide range of species including dogs, cats, small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets, as well as birds. The role is practical, physically active, and central to the smooth running of the shelter.
Key responsibilities
• Deliver daily cleaning, feeding, and enrichment routines in line with welfare and behaviour plans
• Monitor animal health and behaviour and report concerns promptly
• Support veterinary visits, treatments, and medication administration as directed
• Maintain accurate records and daily logs
• Assist with safe handling and basic grooming
• Engage positively with adopters, volunteers, and members of the public
• Support events, promotions, and general shelter duties
• Work collaboratively within the team, promoting compassion and professionalism
• Work on a rota including weekends and bank holidays
Essential criteria
• Experience caring for animals in a professional or structured voluntary setting
• Confident handling skills across a range of species, including dogs
• Full, clean, manual UK driving licence
• Experience in a customer-facing role with strong communication skills
• Compassionate, patient, and welfare-focused approach
• Physically fit for manual work
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a team
Desirable
• Animal care or behaviour qualification, such as a Level 3 Diploma or equivalent
• Experience in a rescue, boarding, or veterinary environment
• Knowledge of animal welfare legislation and best practice
Benefits
• 29 days annual leave including bank holidays and a birthday day off, rising with long service
• NEST pension scheme with employer contribution
• Occupational sick pay
• Health Assured wellbeing scheme
• Training support relevant to the role
• Uniform provided
• Free on-site parking
• Discounted PetPlan pet insurance
• Use of company vehicle for shelter business
This job description reflects the current requirements of the role and may adapt as the needs of the shelter evolve.
How to apply:
Please apply via email with your CV, covering letter and application form to jblake@rspca-littlevalley.org.ukClosing date: 15th February 2026 (please note that we reserve the right to close this position earlier if suitable candidates are found before the closing date. We advise early application to avoid disappointment).