Location: AADI HQ, Little Island, Co. Cork, with some occasional travel
Employment type: Full time, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Reports to: CEO
Salary: Starting salary €30,000
Working hours: 37.5 hours per week
The Role
The Dog Welfare and Rehoming Coordinator:
- Oversees the day-to-day running of the Doghouse, our on-site dog accommodation at AADI HQ, which cares for up to 15 dogs, making sure their welfare is always front and centre.
- Centralises the health and welfare of all our dogs, including managing the Weight Management Programme.
- Rehomes puppies and dogs released from the programme as Buddy or Release Dogs.
- Works closely with staff, volunteers, puppy fosterers, clients and vets to ensure every dog is healthy and well cared for.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Overseeing the daily care and welfare of up to 15 dogs in the Doghouse, including feeding, exercise, enrichment, grooming, hygiene and monitoring of health and behaviour.
- Ensuring there is always appropriate staff and/or volunteer cover in the Doghouse, and setting up a daily schedule for enrichment, play and settle time with the Instructors.
- Carrying out weekly health checks and weighing, identifying health concerns, escalating them promptly and taking dogs to a vet when needed.
- Maintaining Doghouse hygiene to a high standard to prevent the spread of disease, including daily cleaning of kennels and managing stock needed including food, cleaning supplies and equipment.
- Supporting each dog’s behaviour using current handling techniques in line with AADI methods, under the guidance of the Instructors.
- Recruiting and training Doghouse volunteers, ensuring they are trained in AADI methods and aware of each dog’s needs.
- Organising and vetting boarding homes for dogs in training, ensuring there is always enough supply to meet the needs of the dogs in training.
- Managing the Weight Management Programme for all dogs in the care of AADI: monitoring weight and body condition, coordinating weight management plans and supporting clients to follow them.
- Maintaining the Buddy Dog and Release dog lists, managing the reopening of lists, responding to enquiries, managing applications, conducting phone, video and home assessments, coordinating training days and assessing applicants for suitability.
- Matching Buddy Dogs and released dogs with suitable homes, taking into account each dog’s needs, temperament and behaviour alongside the applicant’s household and circumstances.
- Keeping accurate digital and paper records, including health records for all dogs in training and up-to-date records for Buddy, release and retired dogs and their families on the database.
- Supporting the wider team with any duties necessary for the effective running of the organisation.
Person Specification
Experience
- Knowledge and experience of dog behaviour, handling and general care.
- Experience in dog care, rehoming, animal welfare or weight management would be advantageous.
- Previous experience working with volunteers would be advantageous.
- Experience of working in a kennel-type environment, paid or voluntary.
- Proven understanding of dog care principles, common health conditions and the core principles of animal welfare.
Skills & Knowledge
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong attention to detail and confidence managing administrative systems and records, both digital and paper.
- The ability to assess suitability, make considered decisions and manage competing priorities.
- Knowledge of positive handling techniques.
- A basic understanding of health and safety and safeguarding.
Qualifications
- A qualification in animal care, or equivalent relevant work-based experience.
- A full, clean manual driving licence.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- Genuinely passionate about dog welfare.
- Compassionate, practical and proactive in supporting dogs, fosterers, volunteers and families.
- Sound in judgement and decision-making.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including handling dogs of a range of ages, sizes and temperaments.
- Confident in giving health talks to clients and delivering handler training for Buddy Dog families.
About Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
AADI is a growing national charity focused on training and placing Assistance and School Support Dogs to make a positive difference to the lives of children and families. Every dog in our care, from puppyhood through training, working life and retirement, deserves the best possible health, welfare and home.
Equal Opportunities
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
How to Apply
Please email your CV and cover letter to nuala@aadi.ie before Monday, 9 November 2026.