Animal Welfare Officer

About the role

The Animal Welfare Team at Northumberland County Council is seeking an experienced Animal Welfare Officer to join its Stakeford Depot in Choppington. Reporting to the Senior Animal Welfare Officer, you will work independently while collaborating with vets, charities, and internal services to protect companion animals and enforce legislation.

Key responsibilities

• Collect stray dogs and manage related welfare cases.
• Enforce the Animal Welfare Act 2016 and related legislation, including dog fouling and Public Space Protection Order restrictions.
• Investigate complaints, conduct patrolling, interviewing and case management.
• Promote responsible pet ownership through schemes such as the Green Dog Walker Scheme.
• Liaise with local veterinarians, animal charities, safeguarding teams, and the council’s legal department.

Required profile

• Good literacy, numeracy and basic IT skills.
• Experience handling dogs and companion animals.
• Knowledge of enforcement procedures, patrolling, interviewing and case management.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
• Full UK driving licence.

Required skills

What we offer

• 26 days annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years.
• Automatic enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme Flexi.
• Up to two days of flexible leave per month.