Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprentice

Purley Cattery Ltd

PURLEY (CR8 1DD)

Closes in 17 days (Monday 13 April 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 26 March 2026

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Summary

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about cats and wants to start a long-term career in the animal care industry.

This role offers the chance to learn essential animal care skills in a supportive environment while developing knowledge about animal welfare, hygiene standards, and daily cattery operations.

Wage

£14,976 to £23,793.12, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  • Weekly wage of £297 (£8.25 per hour).
  • Bank holiday working is required (shared amongst staff). However, Christmas day, Boxing day, new years day and Easter Sunday (if worked) are paid at double time.

Training course
Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2)
Hours
36 Hours (30 on premise, 6 hours at CAW). Standard Week: Tue, Wed, Thur: 8am to 1pm. Fri, Sun: 8am - 1pm; 3pm to 6pm. Other standard days/times will be considered. Possible additional hours available (especially during holiday periods).

36 hours a week

Start date

Friday 1 May 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Prepare and serve appropriate food and fresh water for each cat according to their individual dietary requirements, age, and any instructions from owners/cattery management.
  • Clean and disinfect pens, litter trays, food bowls, and surrounding areas at least daily, following strict hygiene and biosecurity protocols.
  • Provide daily enrichment to promote stimulation and reduce stress.
  • Observe cats closely for changes in behaviour, appetite or signs of illness/injury and report any concerns promptly.
  • Administer prescribed medication (oral, topical) when required, following clear written instructions.
  • Groom cats as needed.
  • Handle cats calmly, confidently, and safely.
  • Maintain accurate daily records.
  • Assist with arrivals and departures — helping owners settle their cats and checking/completing paperwork.
  • Keep the cattery reception, kitchen and storage areas clean, tidy, and well-stocked.
  • Launder bedding.
  • Answer basic client enquiries.

Where you'll work

110 RIDDLESDOWN ROAD
PURLEY
CR8 1DD

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THE COLLEGE OF ANIMAL WELFARE LIMITED

Training course

Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

Learning will take place at The College of Animal Welfare (CAW) for one day a week and training will take place for the remainder of the week at the cattery.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language (grade A*-C or 9-4)
  • Maths (grade A*-C or 9-4)

Desirable qualifications

Other in:

Animal Care (grade Relevant experience/history of)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer care skills
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness
  • Animal handling
  • Ability to work under pressure

Other requirements

Hours must be flexible (with reasonable notice from employer).

Working with potentially aggressive animals.

About this employer

  • Purley Cattery is a well established and highly regarded cattery. We are a small friendly teamcaring for South London and Surrey’s felines. The cattery has recently undergone a major refurbishment. We are proud of our full 5 star Google rating.
  • We are offering an exciting opportunity for someone to join our small and friendly team as a Cattery Assistant Apprentice, where you will gain hands-on experience working with cats while completing a recognised Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship.

http://www.purleycattery.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Complete a Level 3 qualification (Animal Welfare or Veterinary), leading to a possible full-time role.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE COLLEGE OF ANIMAL WELFARE LIMITED

Justin Groves

jgroves@caw.ac.uk

01480 422060

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000023262.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Monday 13 April 2026 at 11:59pm)