Animal Care Apprentice For Boarding Kennels and Cattery

4 Paws Farm

BISHOP AUCKLAND (DL14 0NB)

Closes on Friday 30 January 2026

Posted on 24 November 2025

Print

Contents

Summary

We are looking for an animal lover looking to progress their career and qualify in this industry. Someone who understands that animal care comes before themselves, reliability is a maximum priority.

Wage

£9,422.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Pay to be reviewed through the apprenticeship duration.

Training course
Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2)
Hours
Will be 3 days to start with working 8am till 5pm to include 1 weekend day, these hours can increase after a successful probationary period.

24 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 February 2026

Duration

1 year

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

As a large boarding kennels (up to 100 dogs), daycare and cattery we look after an array of breeds, big and small. We have a farm so have many farm animals on site, and also look after other small animals such as rabbits, rats, snakes and birds. So, any applicant must be happy to handle these animals.

You will be responsible for (but not limited to, the following):

  • Cleaning and mucking out animals' enclosures
  • Ensuring the health and well-being of all animals in your care
  • Feeding
  • Walking and exercising
  • Grooming/bathing

Where you'll work

LOW GARTH FARM
RAMSHAW
BISHOP AUCKLAND
DL14 0NB

Training

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

Training provider

HADDON TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

All training to be completed on site with the employer and your dedicated trainer coach from Haddon Training, this will be done one day a week as part of your off the job training.

You will achieve the Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Apprenticeship, and you will also complete level 1 or 2 English and/or maths functional skills if required.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (grade 4)

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
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Reliable

Other requirements

This is apprenticeship is aimed at applicants from the age of 16 onwards. This job will require working outdoors in all weathers, so any applicant needs to be prepared to do that. It also means handling a variety of animals both large and small, so being a lover of all animals is a must. The location is very rural so being able to reliably get there each day is a must.

About this employer

Here at 4 Paws Farm Richard Grey and Kelly Grey, the owners, will take your pets into our hearts as well as our home. We will go the extra mile to make your pet feel loved and happy during their stay with us. Our family team will ensure your pet receives the personal touch, whether it be cuddles and kisses or playing fetch, we will be happy to oblige. With over 20 years of joint experience in animal care and behaviour, we understand that leaving your beloved pet in a boarding establishment can be stressful for both parties. Our aim here at 4 Paws Farm is to make your pet's stay as pleasurable as possible, giving you the owner peace of mind.

http://www.4pawsfarm.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, this may lead to further employment for the right candidate.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

HADDON TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000001650.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 30 January 2026

Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.