Team: Centre

Location: Chelwood Gate, East Sussex

Work pattern: 35 hours per week on a rota to include weekends and bank holidays

Salary: Up to £23,943 per year

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Rehoming and Welfare Assistant:

• Carry out cleaning of cat pens, including litter trays, in the various sections of the centre
• Feed and care for cats requiring additional medical or behavioural treatment as required. This also includes handling
• Present a professional and friendly image to customers and visitors
• As required, assist with veterinary runs, this may include driving the Cats Protection vehicle off-site
• Work with volunteers to coach and guide them on cat care duties
• Support with the scheduling and preparation of rehoming information, viewings and adoption of cats in care

About the centre team:

• Our centres care for thousands of cats each year until they are able to find a loving new home. 
• Our team is made up of a Centre Manager, Deputy Centre Managers, Community Operations Volunteer Team Leader, Receptionists and Rehoming and Welfare Assistants

What we’re looking for in our Rehoming and Welfare Assistant:

• A full, manual driving license is essential as some driving of centre vans is required
• An excellent communicator with strong empathy
• Excellent customer service skills and experience of dealing with members of the public
• Experience of animal welfare, including feeding, cleaning, medicating and handling and a high level of understanding of how to meet welfare needs of cats
• Resilient with the ability to cope with potentially distressing and emotional situations
• A positive attitude and good at working as part of a team
• An understanding of health and safety and comfortable with manual handling tasks

What we can offer you in a role where you make a difference to cats’ lives every day 

• Health and wellbeing benefits to help you stay well at work 

• Ongoing learning and development to help you build your skills and grow your career  

• 26 days’ annual leave, increasing with service  

• A competitive contributory pension scheme and life assurance for peace of mind 

• Practical financial support, including access to Salary Finance  

• Everyday support such as eye care vouchers and confidential advice services 

• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most  

• Access to discounted pet insurance to help care for your pet’s health  

• Find out more about our reward package: here

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

Application closing date: 04 October 2026

Interview date: 14 October 2026

Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable.  You may be just the right candidate. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. anonymised application form
2. in-person interview at the centre

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email recruitment@cats.org.uk if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.