Kennel Hand

Cheshire Police is looking to appoint a Police Kennel Hand, based at the Alliance Police Dog Section Training Unit at Cheshire Police HQ.

Kennel assistants play an essential role within the unit and look after Operational Police Dogs when they are not deployed with their handlers.

The primary role is to look after the health and welfare of all dogs in your care; you will be working as part of a small team responsible for the feeding, grooming, and exercising of Police Dogs; administering dog medication as prescribed by the vet; cleaning kennels and surrounding areas and the accurate completion of daily kennel logs and veterinary treatment.

You will be working between 0700hrs and 1600hrs, including weekends on a rotating shift pattern.  You may be required to work bank holidays including Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure the welfare of kennelled dogs, by updating the daily information board and electronic diaries, and by providing the appropriate exercise, grooming, diet, veterinary referral, and prescribed medication.
• Provide a clean and hygienic environment for kennelled dogs within the Dog Section by maintaining regular routine of inspection and cleaning of kennels, vet room, food prep area, exercise areas and vehicles as designated.
• Support Dog Handlers, Carers and Dog Trainers by ensuring dogs, dog food and kennels are transported to designated location, including taking dogs to vets/rehab.
• Ensure that stocks of foodstuffs, medication, general equipment, and cleaning materials, are maintained through accurate stock recording and ordering.
• Give instruction on kennel hygiene and the safe handling of police dogs within kennel environment.
• Ensure the accurate recording of veterinary and dog maintenance records.
• Provide the first point of contact with visitors and outside agencies in person and via telephone.
• Any other duties commensurate with the role

Skills and experience:

• Qualified as a Kennel Assistant or experience working with animals in a kennel, agricultural or veterinary environment.
• Confident working independently with large breeds.
• Physically capable of maintaining kennels and surrounding areas.
• Able to work day-shift patterns throughout the whole week.
• Hold a full UK driving licence (car)
• If not already qualified, prepared to attend and pass a Kennel Assistant Course or have experience of working with animals in a kennel, agricultural or veterinary environment.