Volunteer Position (Work Experience Opportunity)
- Company: A Coombs Pet Centre
- Closing Date: 14-12-2025
- Location: 155-157 Portland Road Hove BN3 5QJ
- Salary: Unpaid
- Hours: Work experience
- Contact Title: Manager
- Contact Name: Robert Harper
- Contact Email: Rharper@acoombs.co.uk
- Contact Telephone: 07928440090
- How to Apply: If you’re passionate about animals, community care, and hands-on learning, we’d love to hear from you. Please send a brief introduction (including your course, current stage, and availability) to: rharper@acoombs.co.uk FAO Robert Harper
Description
About Us
We’re a friendly, family-run pet shop passionate about animal welfare and community support. Working alongside Guy, a highly experienced retired vet (40+ years clinical experience), we host Community Vet Days to provide accessible treatments and advice to local pet owners during challenging economic times.
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The Opportunity
We are offering a real-world work experience placement for a Plumpton College student nearing the end of their Animal Care or Dog Grooming course.
This is a voluntary role designed to help you gain practical skills in a supportive, professional environment. For the right candidate, there may be future opportunities to continue developing with us.
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Key Responsibilities
• Assist with basic pet health and hygiene under appropriate supervision, including:
• Ear cleaning
• Eye cleaning
• Paw care and nail trimming
• Anal gland checks/expressions (for confident, suitably trained students and only under guidance)
• Support the team and vet during Community Vet Days
• Provide friendly, professional communication with pet owners
• Help maintain a calm, caring environment for animals and their owners
• Ensure all work areas are clean, safe, and prepared for treatments
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Ideal Candidate
• Currently enrolled on, or completing, an Animal Care, Dog Grooming or related course (Plumpton College preferred)
• Confident and compassionate around animals, especially dogs, with some handling experience
• Responsible, reliable, and keen to learn in a real working environment
• Willing to follow guidance, respect boundaries, and prioritise animal welfare
• Passionate about helping the local community and supporting affordable pet care
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What You’ll Gain
• Practical experience in a busy, ethical pet care setting
• Insight into community-based veterinary and welfare support
• Opportunities to build confidence in animal handling and client communication
• The chance to make a positive impact for local pets and owners
• Potential consideration for future paid roles or extended opportunities
