About this role
Contract: Permanent, 7.5 hours per week Salary: £4,996 pro rata (£24,976 FTE) Location: Thirsk, YO7 3SE Closing date: Tuesday 10th November 2026 Interview dates: Tuesday 17th & Thursday 19th November 2026 We’re recruiting two Pet Welfare Assistants for on-site animal care, for our Rehoming & Fostering team in Thirsk! At Blue Cross, we're dedicated to providing the best care possible to pets in need. As a Pet Welfare Assistant for our onsite services, you'll play an important role in our mission, ensuring that every pet receives the love, attention, and support they deserve during their stay at our Thirsk rehoming centre.
Our wonderful Thirsk rehoming centre in North Yorkshire was first opened in 1987 and the centre was rebuilt in 2009. We have facilities for 25 dogs and 40 cats, with additional puppy and kitten facilities. Our team is dedicated to delivering excellent animal welfare and rehoming outcomes, supporting pets both onsite and through a network of foster homes. We are supported by committed volunteers who assist with pet care and administrative support, helping us make a positive impact every day. The rehoming team plays a vital role in finding loving homes for pets through centre-based adoptions and our Home Direct scheme, which enables pets to remain in a home environment while awaiting adoption.
As a skilled animal handler and assessor, you will be responsible for the ‘preparation stage’ with the pets in our care which involves caring, carrying out assessments and rehabilitation plans, preparing them for the ‘adoption stage’ or the best possible outcome for their circumstances with minimal delay. As a Pet Welfare Assistant, you will ensure that the welfare standards are met and that rehabilitation plans are followed and supported for pets in our care. Working independently and with the team you will carry out meetings with owners giving up their pet, ensuring all information is recorded, paperwork completed and that the pet is immediately assessed for behavioural or veterinary problems.
Working closely with the Adoptions Coordinator you will provide additional in person or virtual advice and practical demonstrations to ensure new owners are fully aware of the work that has been done with the pet and how to continue with any other additional behaviour training or medical provision. We have two positions, one position is 7.5 hours every Saturday and the second position is 7.5 hours every Sunday. At our Thirsk rehoming centre, we provide onsite accommodation for pets in our care 24/7. Overnight shifts are usually undertaken by team members who live on site.
Occasionally, you will be expected to carry out night checks or stay in onsite accommodation overnight when the resident team members are either not working or away for a period of time. A full driving licence is required for this role, and as part of your role you will be using company vehicles to transport pets. If you excel in an environment where you can see the difference you make every day, then this could be the role for you.