Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

What is Battersea Dogs & Cats Home?

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is one of the UK's oldest and most famous animal rescue charities, founded in 1860. For over 160 years, Battersea has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs and cats in need. The charity operates three centres across London and the South East, and has helped millions of animals find loving homes throughout its history.

Battersea is more than a rescue centre — the charity also campaigns for better animal welfare laws, funds veterinary research, and provides community outreach programmes. Their mission is to be here for every dog and cat, and to never turn away an animal in need.

Where will I work?

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is headquartered in London, with its famous main centre in Battersea, South West London. The charity also operates centres in Old Windsor, Berkshire, and Brands Hatch, Kent. The organisation operates a hybrid working model for office-based roles, combining time at one of the centres with remote working flexibility. Centre-based and animal care roles naturally require on-site presence.

What is the team like?

With approximately 640 employees, Battersea has a large and diverse team spanning animal care, veterinary services, behavioural specialists, fundraising, marketing, policy and advocacy, technology, HR, finance, and operations. The team is united by a deep love of animals and a shared commitment to the charity's mission.

Battersea's culture combines the passion and purpose of the charitable sector with the professionalism and scale of a major national organisation. Staff have the satisfaction of seeing the direct impact of their work every day as animals are cared for and rehomed.

Work-Life Balance

Battersea operates a 9-day fortnight, giving employees every other Friday off at full pay. This provides a regular long weekend every two weeks, supporting work-life balance across the organisation. The hybrid working model for office-based roles offers additional flexibility, while centre-based roles benefit from structured shift patterns.

Perks and Benefits

• 9-day fortnight with alternate Fridays off at full pay
• Hybrid working for office-based roles
• Healthcare benefits
• Pension scheme
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Enhanced parental leave
• Work directly with rescued animals
• Over 160 years of charitable heritage