Animal Warden

Animal Warden

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic individual to join the Animal Warden Team to help promote responsible dog ownership in the borough. We're looking for someone with proven dog handling expertise, good communication skills and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Working within a small team, the successful candidate will assist with the delivery of the Council’s stray dog service, including collection, care and transport of animals as well as liaison with finders and owners. They will patrol the borough and enforce dog fouling legislation as well as deal with a variety of animal-related complaints.

The Animal Warden will be an experienced dog handler who is confident to handle all other pets. They will recognise dog body language signals and apply safe handling techniques to minimise risk. They will have a thorough knowledge of animal husbandry and maintain the Council’s Animal Pound in a safe and hygienic condition. The successful candidate will be responsible for the health and welfare of impounded animals and will be expected to work flexibly if unexpected situations arise.

The postholder will carry a caseload of complaints relating to animal nuisance or dog-related anti-social behaviour and will need to prioritise and programme work and make day-to-day decisions on cases as required. They will be expected to undertake investigations and use advisory, educative or enforcement tools to resolve problems, and will be keen to work in partnership with other Council teams and external organisations to achieve this.

The successful candidate will be committed to responsible pet ownership and seek to spread this message during the execution of duties. They will participate in community events and assist with campaigns designed to drive behaviour change in some dog owners. They will recognise and celebrate responsible dog ownership and support the community with information and advice. The successful candidate will take pride in help to keep London Borough of Tower Hamlets public spaces safe and clean for everyone to enjoy.

If you are passionate about responsible pet ownership, committed to supporting all sectors of the community and bring extensive dog handling experience, we would love to hear from you.

In this role, you will:

• Collect stray dogs, liaise with owners and manage the reclaim process.

• Clean the animal pound and look after the dogs and any other animals in it, including weekends on a rota basis.

• Investigate complaints of animal nuisance or dog-related ASB and use enforcement or other interventions to achieve positive outcomes.

About You
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Previous workplace experience of handling dogs of various sizes/breeds/temperaments.

• Experience of kennel cleaning and animal care.

• Problem solving skills and knowledge of good pet ownership practice.

• Strong communication and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse community.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary £39,807-£41,637

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.

• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.

• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.

• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).

• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

Benefits

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.