Dog Welfare Assistant

Are you passionate about providing exceptional care for dogs and helping them prepare for a brighter future? Do you enjoy working as part of a dedicated team where every day makes a difference to the lives of dogs in need? 

At Dogs Trust Ireland, our Rehoming Centre is at the heart of our mission to create a better world for dogs. As a Dog Welfare Assistant, you'll play a vital role in delivering the highest standards of care, welfare and enrichment, helping every dog receive the support they need while preparing for life in a loving forever home. 

Working alongside colleagues across Operations, Behaviour, Veterinary and Rehoming, you'll contribute to each dog's welfare journey through compassionate care, safe handling and teamwork, ensuring every dog has the best possible chance of a successful rehoming. 

What you'll be doing: 

• Providing high-quality daily care, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment and husbandry
• Carrying out daily welfare checks and monitoring each dog's physical, behavioural and emotional wellbeing
• Safely handling and moving dogs using positive, low-stress handling techniques
• Supporting veterinary care, including routine treatments as directed and transporting dogs to appointments
• Following behaviour and training plans while recording accurate welfare and behavioural observations
• Maintaining high standards of welfare, hygiene, health and safety, biosecurity and risk management
• Keeping accurate records and communicating welfare concerns and updates with colleagues across teams
• Working collaboratively with Behaviour, Veterinary, Rehoming and Operations colleagues to support each dog's progression through care
• Supporting volunteers and contributing to a positive, inclusive and welfare-focused team environment
• Assisting with enrichment activities, photography, media tasks and other duties that support the effective running of the Rehoming Centre 

We're looking for someone who has: 

• A genuine passion for dog welfare and a commitment to the mission and values of Dogs Trust Ireland
• Confidence working with dogs of different breeds, sizes and temperaments
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong organisational skills with good attention to detail and accurate record-keeping
• The ability to work in a physically demanding environment
• A willingness to work collaboratively as part of a busy, welfare-focused team
• The ability to follow established procedures and maintain high welfare, hygiene and safety standards
• Emotional resilience to work in a rewarding but demanding welfare environment
• A full, clean manual driving licence 

It would be great if you also have: 

• Experience working in a dog care or animal welfare environment
• An understanding of dog behaviour and positive training principles
• Experience working with volunteers
• Experience supporting rehabilitation or behaviour modification programmes
• Familiarity with digital systems and record-keeping 

Why join us? 

• Play a hands-on role in helping dogs receive the care, rehabilitation and support they need before finding their forever homes
• Work alongside experienced colleagues across welfare, behaviour, veterinary and rehoming teams
• Be part of a collaborative organisation dedicated to achieving the highest standards of dog welfare
• Develop your knowledge and skills within a structured role that supports professional growth and progression
• Make a meaningful contribution to Dogs Trust Ireland's mission of creating a better world for dogs 

Ready to use your skills to help create a better world for dogs and the people who love them? 

How to apply

To apply for this position, please send your CV and Cover letter by email on Recruitment@dogstrust.ie

Dogs Trust Ireland CLG is an Equal Opportunities employer