Trainee Doggy Daycare Assistant Full Time NEW

Trainee Doggy Daycare Assistant

(Part-Time to Start, With Progression to Full-Time)

Location: Schnoodles Doggy Daycare, Chesham

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday (initially)

Training Hours: 8:00am–5:30pm during initial training period

Standard Hours: 8:30am–5:00pm once training is complete

Contract: Temporary to start, Part-Time (with potential to become Full-Time)

Pay: National Minimum Wage

Start Date: May (to be confirmed)

About Schnoodles

Schnoodles is a licensed doggy daycare operating on a large outdoor site. We care for consistent groups of dogs on fixed weekly bookings and operate under strict staff-to-dog licensing ratios. This is a hands-on, physical role where reliability, routine, and dog welfare are essential.

We are looking for a Trainee Doggy Daycare Assistant to join us, with the intention of developing the right person into a long-term, potentially full-time member of staff as the business grows.

About the Role (Please Read Carefully)

This is not an office job and not a casual role. The work is physical, outdoors, and sometimes messy. Applicants should only apply if they are comfortable with the realities, responsibilities, and risks of dog daycare work. This includes licks, cuddles and attention as well as poo patrol, muddy boots and harsh weather conditions.

Daily duties will include:

• Working outdoors in all weather, including wet and muddy fields

• Picking up dog poo throughout the day

• Cleaning up dog sick and diarrhoea when dogs are unwell (field, barn, or van)

• Cleaning and maintaining the barn, play areas, and equipment

• Supervising groups of dogs in line with licensing ratios

• Supporting calm routines and dog welfare

Working With Live Animals – Important Safety Information

You will be working directly with live animals at all times. While safety procedures and training are in place, dogs may not always respond predictably, particularly when new to the environment or unfamiliar with staff. Applicants must understand and accept these risks as part of the role.

As the role progresses, duties will also include:

• Physically lifting dogs into and out of vehicle crates (including upper crates)

• Driving company vehicles to collect and return dogs

• Completing dog monitoring and welfare checklists

• Light administrative duties once the role becomes permanent

Applicants must be physically fit and capable of manual handling.

Training, Qualifications & Trainee Status

This is a trainee position.

• A Level 2 qualification in Animal Welfare forms part of our training pathway

• Applicants who already hold a Level 2 qualification are welcome

• Applicants without a Level 2 qualification will be required to undertake a Level 2 course once theirposition becomes permanent

• Training will be provided in-house during the trainee period

• Further training may be explored in the future depending on suitability and business needs

Driving & Insurance Requirements (Essential)

Due to insurance requirements on company vehicles, applicants must meet all of the following

criteria:

• Aged 25 or over (strict insurance requirement)

• Hold a full UK driving licence (UK licences only)

• Licence may be manual or automatic (company vehicles are automatic)

• Hold a fully clean driving licence with no points or offences

• No history of alcohol- or drug-related driving offences

A DVLA driving licence check will be carried out as part of the recruitment process. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

DBS / Criminal Record Check (Essential)

Due to the nature of the role, applicants will be entering clients’ homes during dog collection and drop-off. All successful applicants must be able to pass an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory DBS clearance.

Working Pattern, Attendance & Holidays (Very Important)

• This role requires full availability on the agreed working days

• It is not a role that can accommodate regular mid-day commitments or frequent short-notice absence

• Reliable attendance under all circumstances is critical due to strict 10:1 staff-to-dog licensing ratios

• As a small team, we have no capacity to cover shifts if a team member is absent

• Schnoodles is closed for four weeks per year and on all bank holidays

• Annual leave dates are set by the director at the beginning of each year and cannot be changed (exceptional circumstances cannot be looked at)

The Right Person Will Be:

• Passionate about dogs and animal welfare

• Highly reliable, punctual, and consistent

• Comfortable with physical, outdoor, and sometimes unpleasant tasks

• Calm, confident, and observant around dogs

• Able to commit fully to the required working hours and attendance expectations

• Looking for a long-term role with progression to full-time

How to Apply

Please apply with a short message explaining why this role appeals to you, your availability, and your long-term intentions.

We are looking for someone who genuinely understands the realities and responsibilities of dog daycare work and wants to grow with the business.

Job Type: Temp to perm
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: £12.21-£13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Are you above 25 years old (Driving Insurance policy)

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person