Animal Keeper – Companion Animals (Kennels & Cattery)

Animal Keeper – Companion Animals (Kennels & Cattery)

💰Salary: Up to £25,335 per annum (dependent upon qualifications, skills and experience)

🕒Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) 

📋Contract: Permanent 

📍Location: Sparsholt Campus, Hampshire

📅Closing Date: 27th September 2026 

💡Interview Date: 5th October 2026

We are looking for a kennel and cattery animal keeper to join our companion animal team. 

About the role: ✨

The post holder will work under the direction of the Head of companion animals at the Animal Health, Welfare and Research centre (AHWRC) in undertaking animal husbandry and maintenance of the kennels and cattery areas. 

The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day husbandry of the kennel and cattery animals, and provide practical support and supervision of students, to achieve high standards in animal welfare, teaching and customer service. 

In addition to supporting the colleges’ education goals, the department also participates in running a professional 5* boarding kennels. The ideal candidate will therefore need to have excellent customer service and communication skills.

Routinely training new teaching cats and rehoming retiring cats is also part of the job so the ideal candidate will have a passion for these areas too.

This position is ideal for someone with a keen interest in cats and dogs and is looking to educate the next generation of animal carers.

The role will be primarily focused on the cat and dog section, but there is opportunity to learn other sections of the AHWRC.

The post holder will:

• Be responsible for the day-to-day husbandry on the cat and dog section. 

• Assist in running the commercial boarding kennels.

• Work closely with other AHWRC staff to ensure high standards of animal husbandry. This will be achieved through demonstration of daily cleaning routines and training and supervision of students in practical husbandry sessions.

• Instil correct best practice in students and provide and engaging and interactive learner experience.

Candidates should be educated to at least level 3 in a relevant vocational subject and be able to demonstrate a professional track record of work within an accredited kennels or cattery.  

Although this position is for a cat & dog specialist, the candidate will need to support and provide cover on other sections of the AHWRC as and when necessary. Other taxa knowledge is therefore desirable. 

A positive and flexible approach to a varied workload, real enthusiasm for the animals you work with, and an affinity for working with young learners are essential. Some educational or supervisory experience would be advantageous. 

The role entails weekend and Bank Holiday working on a rota basis. 

This post is based at the Sparsholt campus so the ability to drive is desirable. 

Why Join Us? 🌱

At Sparsholt College, you’ll work within a stunning rural campus set in beautiful Hampshire countryside. With open green spaces, specialist land-based facilities and a peaceful natural setting, Sparsholt offers an inspiring environment to build your career. 

You’ll benefit from:

- A friendly, collaborative team that values efficiency, communication and shared success

- A peaceful, spacious campus setting

- A role with real impact, helping students achieve their qualifications and progress to the next stage of their education or career 

College Benefits: 🎓

• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (defined pension scheme) 

• Free on-site parking 

• Occupational Sick Pay & Maternity Pay schemes 

• Flexible Working Policy 

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme 

• Free on-campus gym at Sparsholt Campus 

• Opportunity to purchase Sparsholt-grown produce: plants, fresh fruit & veg, fish, and game 

• Discounted hair treatments at the Andover campus salon 

• Wide range of CPD events, plus support with professional qualifications 

Join us in making a difference! 

Make a real difference every day – help students grow, thrive, and reach their potential! 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.