Animal Care Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Animal Care Advocate

Job Description

Class:   Full Time - Non-Exempt                                                                                                                                 April 2026

Location:   Merriam 

Reports to:   Senior Manager of Animal Care

Salary Range:  $17 to $21 hourly

Great Plains SPCA   located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

• Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically? 
• Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
• Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.? 
• Want to make a daily difference for community pets?

Position Summary: This full-time, hourly position will provide all animals in Great Plains SPCA care with conscientious, compassionate care, meeting our animals’ physical and behavioral needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle cats and/or dogs and occasional other animals of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately
• Ability to routinely handle of animals marked with an “orange dot,” indicating those requiring elevated caution, specialized handling techniques, or additional behavioral awareness.
• Follow and maintain excellent knowledge of organization cleaning, sanitation, and disease prevention protocols in order to provide a safe, clean environment for all
• Provide all animals with appropriate housing, food, water, bedding, toys and other mental stimulation and enrichment, social interaction with humans and, where appropriate, members of own species
• Maintain excellent knowledge of all shelter standard medical procedures, vaccines, preventatives, and common diseases and their symptoms, transmission, prevention
• Monitor health of animals and rapidly identify any health issues and report to Veterinary Staff or supervisor
• Monitor behavioral health of animals and rapidly identify any issues that may require special action and report to supervisor
• Use shelter database and employee communication systems to keep accurate animal inventory, write animal behavior and other memos, submit medical exam requests, place holds on animals, and keep abreast of all staff communication
• Work with staff and volunteers to get to know, provide for, transition, and promote adoptable animals
• Ensure all animals are clearly and consistently marked with accurate, up-to-date, easy to read information
• Work with and supervise volunteers and community service workers appropriately to provide animals and humans with a safe, clean, organized, and pleasant experience
• Assist veterinary staff by properly administering or restraining for vaccinations, microchips, blood draws, medications, and restraining for exams
• Provide basic grooming services to shelter animals as needed
• Other duties as needed

Key Capabilities 

• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
• Maturity, good judgment and professionalism
• Ability to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-start
• Ability to remain calm and empathetic in stressful situations
• Compassion and empathy for animal and humans

Experience Requirements

• High school or GED
• Prefer familiarity with animals
• Prefer familiarity with computer functions and programs such as Internet and web-based programs, Microsoft Office

Additional Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license

Work Conditions

• Must be able to work weekends and some holidays.
• Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats of all ages and temperaments
• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
• Displays maturity, good judgment, professionalism, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain calm and empathetic in stressful situations
• Compassion and empathy for animals and humans
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
• Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Lift 50 lbs. to waist height

At Will Employment

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.

Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.

GPSPCA is an engaging, mission‑driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
• 100% employer‑covered mental health support
• Disability and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets