Animal Care Auxiliaries are employed by PDSA to undertake cleaning duties and basic care for animal in-patients as directed by the Veterinary Staff during hours when PetAid hospitals are not normally staffed and to assist the duty Veterinary Surgeon as required. Animal Care Auxiliaries are employed at each of the 43 PDSA PetAid hospitals throughout the country, they are responsible for securing the PetAid hospital during the hours they are on duty. An Animal Care Auxiliary reports to the Head Nurse of their PetAid hospital.
Depending on the individual PetAid hospital, the Animal Care Auxiliary may also be responsible for answering the out of hours telephone calls. Where emergency treatment is carried out on site, the Animal Care Auxiliary is expected to provide basic assistance to the duty veterinary surgeon.
Working hours are normally 2 nights on duty (6.00 p.m. - 9.00 a.m.) followed by 4 nights off. The working pattern includes Saturdays and Sundays. The average working week is 35 hours. Animal Care Auxiliaries must remain in the PetAid hospital at all times during the shift. The hours between midnight and 7.00 a.m. are considered a rest period although Animal care Auxiliaries must be available to assist at all times with emergencies or critically ill patients.
Although no formal qualifications are required as an Animal Care Auxiliary, a genuine interest in and concern for the welfare of animals is essential, coupled with either previous practical experience, or a willingness to learn about general animal care. The ability to understand written instructions and to communicate verbally at all levels is also important, as is a good telephone manner. An Animal Care Auxiliary needs to be physically fit and able to work unsupervised for long periods of time.
How do I apply?
Full details of current vacancies for Animal Care Auxiliaries, including specific job descriptions, are available online.
If you have a question about employment opportunities within PDSA please use the email enquiry form to contact us. We will be pleased to hear from you.
Vacancies are also advertised in the local papers.
Job descriptions and application forms are also available from the Human Resources Department, PDSA, Whitechapel Way, Priorslee, Telford, TF2 9PQ.
