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Work Experience at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital
Each year, we care for over 14,000 injured and orphaned animals, from tiny hedgehogs to majestic birds of prey. Whether you’re hoping to start a career in animal care or enhance your existing studies, this is a unique chance to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
Our placements are non-clinical and focused on animal husbandry. You’ll be a vital part of our daily care team, involved in tasks such as:
- Cleaning animal enclosures and housing
- Preparing and providing food for a variety of species
- Assisting with safe animal handling where appropriate
- Helping maintain enclosures and outdoor areas
- Supporting deliveries of food and supplies
This is a non-clinical, hands-on placement for people who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in! You’ll need to be physically fit, happy working indoors and outdoors in all weathers, and ready to work hard for a great cause.
Please Note
• As a charity, Tiggywinkles cannot offer clinical/veterinary placements, and does not provide accommodation or travel expenses. • All placements are subject to health, safety, and professional behaviour expectations
Who can apply?
We welcome applicants who:
- Are ideally already enrolled in an animal-related training course
- Are aged 16 or over
- Can work independently
- Have up-to-date tetanus cover
- Are physically fit and prepared for all-weather working
What to Wear
To ensure safety and hygiene, all work experience students must wear:
- Dark-coloured, hard-wearing trousers (not leggings or tracksuits)
- Plain, dark T-shirts or sweatshirts (no sleeveless tops)
- Sturdy boots (wellies recommended for wet conditions)
- Hair tied back, no jewellery, and dark-coloured waterproofs when working outdoors
No known allergies to animals, animal feed (including nuts), or latex.
Christmas Placements
Please note: You must have access to transport to get here, and be available for all days in your chosen block, including any Bank Holidays
Shifts available:
During Saturday 19th December – Sunday 3rd January
- Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 4pm (Christmas Eve 9am-2.30pm; Christmas Day 8-10.30am; Boxing Day 8-11.30am; New Year’s eve 9am-2.30pm; New Year’s Day 8-11.30am)
- Friday to Monday 9am – 4pm (Christmas Day 8-10.30am; Boxing Day 8-11.30am; New Year’s Day 8-11.30am)
All applicants must be aged 16+
Ready to apply?
One Day a Week Placements
We are currently offering Work Experience placements for one day a week, on Thursdays or Fridays. Please note that we require a minimum of 10 days commitment to our charity.
Become a Tiggywinkles member
Would you like to make a real difference for wildlife?
Tiggywinkles relies entirely on the generosity of people like you — we receive no government funding and no financial support from other animal welfare or conservation groups. Our vital work is made possible by our amazing members and kind-hearted donors.
By becoming a member, you’ll be directly supporting the care and rehabilitation of thousands of sick and injured wild animals each year. Join us today and help save wildlife lives.
