Personal Care Assistant Animal Care (Dog and Cat)
| Posting date: | 10 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 10 July 2026 |
| Location: | TQ96HN |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Philippa Armstrong |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Personal Care Assistant + Animal Care (Dog and Cat)
A Bit About Me
My name is Philippa, I am a 66yo disabled woman living in my own home near Totnes with my working sheep dog, cat and her three kittens. I have severe quadriparesis, osteoporosis, COPD and 24h care. I have managed my own care package, staff and the day-to-day running of my life for 30 years. I value my autonomy which is reflected in my determination to stay within my own home, and to pursue a life that others would take for granted.
In the past I was an organic hill farmer, single parent, landscape architect, disability consultant and pioneered inclusive dog agility and man-trailing. Currently I am enjoying exploring K9 fitness, conditioning and nutrition. Lobbying to improve beach accessibility and designing the occasional bespoke t-shirt, whilst discovering the joy of a litter of kittens.
I am looking for Assistance with
Personal Care:
Toileting, bathing, dressing, eating, drinking and taking medication. I transfer via hoist and gantry system (I will talk you through how to operate the hoist for me) and mobilise using a powered wheelchair. Overtime, I have found many innovative ways to deploy your arms and legs to enable me to live the lifestyle of my choice.
Domiciliary care:
The usual stuff of housekeeping; laundry, cleaning, shopping and cooking plus admin/computer skills. Occasional gardening and moving heavy equipment and practical tasks, like changing batteries. Nb. My animals are fed raw food.
Due to numerous allergic reactions I struggle to control my pain and have found that preparing food from scratch, minimising household chemicals and using suitable equipment helps mitigate this.
Leading an ordinary life, that others would take for granted:
My animals are the centre of my world, the best part of my day is when I’m out and about exercising and training my dog (in all weathers).
To enable me to do this and maintain our relationship, I have developed creative ways of handling and living with her, that I expect my staff to follow, she cannot be the centre of your world!
Hours and Pay
Current hours available:
Every Saturday 1pm – 7pm
Alternate Sundays 7:30am-1pm and/or 1pm-7pm
Occasional sickness and holiday cover.
Regular shifts, when they become available, are offered first to existing staff prior to advertising.
Day rate £19.07ph
Night rate £17.80ph (part-waking)
This position can be PAYE or self-employed.
Self-contained cabin available for staff use - kitchenette, bedroom, toilet, Wi-Fi and TV.
A bit about you
It is essential that you are reliable - if you do not turn up for your shift, how do I get out of bed, go to the toilet, take medication and/or have a cup of tea?
It would be an advantage if you can be flexible and take your turn, alongside the rest of the team, offering sickness and holiday cover.
You will need to drive an automatic VW Transporter.
And have a good set of waterproofs, wellingtons and a hardy nature.
Previous formal experience is not essential, transferable skills are as valuable. I will talk you through what is needed for me.
To apply
If you are interested in joining my team, send me a covering letter, telling me what your strengths are, and which shift/s you are interested in. Please quote PA2601 on the correspondence so I know you have read the job description and meet the needs of this role.
A Bit About Me
My name is Philippa, I am a 66yo disabled woman living in my own home near Totnes with my working sheep dog, cat and her three kittens. I have severe quadriparesis, osteoporosis, COPD and 24h care. I have managed my own care package, staff and the day-to-day running of my life for 30 years. I value my autonomy which is reflected in my determination to stay within my own home, and to pursue a life that others would take for granted.
In the past I was an organic hill farmer, single parent, landscape architect, disability consultant and pioneered inclusive dog agility and man-trailing. Currently I am enjoying exploring K9 fitness, conditioning and nutrition. Lobbying to improve beach accessibility and designing the occasional bespoke t-shirt, whilst discovering the joy of a litter of kittens.
I am looking for Assistance with
Personal Care:
Toileting, bathing, dressing, eating, drinking and taking medication. I transfer via hoist and gantry system (I will talk you through how to operate the hoist for me) and mobilise using a powered wheelchair. Overtime, I have found many innovative ways to deploy your arms and legs to enable me to live the lifestyle of my choice.
Domiciliary care:
The usual stuff of housekeeping; laundry, cleaning, shopping and cooking plus admin/computer skills. Occasional gardening and moving heavy equipment and practical tasks, like changing batteries. Nb. My animals are fed raw food.
Due to numerous allergic reactions I struggle to control my pain and have found that preparing food from scratch, minimising household chemicals and using suitable equipment helps mitigate this.
Leading an ordinary life, that others would take for granted:
My animals are the centre of my world, the best part of my day is when I’m out and about exercising and training my dog (in all weathers).
To enable me to do this and maintain our relationship, I have developed creative ways of handling and living with her, that I expect my staff to follow, she cannot be the centre of your world!
Hours and Pay
Current hours available:
Every Saturday 1pm – 7pm
Alternate Sundays 7:30am-1pm and/or 1pm-7pm
Occasional sickness and holiday cover.
Regular shifts, when they become available, are offered first to existing staff prior to advertising.
Day rate £19.07ph
Night rate £17.80ph (part-waking)
This position can be PAYE or self-employed.
Self-contained cabin available for staff use - kitchenette, bedroom, toilet, Wi-Fi and TV.
A bit about you
It is essential that you are reliable - if you do not turn up for your shift, how do I get out of bed, go to the toilet, take medication and/or have a cup of tea?
It would be an advantage if you can be flexible and take your turn, alongside the rest of the team, offering sickness and holiday cover.
You will need to drive an automatic VW Transporter.
And have a good set of waterproofs, wellingtons and a hardy nature.
Previous formal experience is not essential, transferable skills are as valuable. I will talk you through what is needed for me.
To apply
If you are interested in joining my team, send me a covering letter, telling me what your strengths are, and which shift/s you are interested in. Please quote PA2601 on the correspondence so I know you have read the job description and meet the needs of this role.