Animal Care & Adoption Specialist

Bideawee

Bideawee was founded upon the principle that every homeless animal should have a place where they are welcome, and that sense of compassion, dedication, and justice remain at the core of who we are and what we do. We believe that a company is only as great as those who embody its mission, and we are committed to the growth, success, and well-being of our staff and community. Join an organization that has been making the world a better place for pets and the people who love them since 1903!

Full time employees of Bideawee enjoy benefits such as:

• Medical/Dental/Vision plans, including free options
• Generous amounts of Paid Time Off
• 403(b) with matching employer contributions
• Discount services and pet food
• Health Reimbursement Account

Position Purpose

Responsible for the care of in-house cats and dogs including feeding, cleaning, socializing, grooming, and evaluation of physical and emotional wellbeing. Provide customer service, perform adoptions, recordkeeping, general housekeeping and miscellaneous tasks. This is a full-time position with a salary of $19/hr.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks

• Feeding - Make sure each animal receives the proper amount and type of food prescribed and always has fresh water (unless it is prohibited for a medical reason).
• Cleaning - Make sure that all animals are in a clean, comfortable environment at all times with appropriate bedding. This includes properly disinfecting using appropriate protocols and removing fecal matter or any debris in the area they are housed in. Make sure that all areas are odor-free at all times.
• Infection control -- Practice infection control procedures consistently wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when necessary.
• Socialization - Make sure all animals get proper social contact, as well as appropriate social experiences and document them.
• Record Keeping - Log all behaviors, eating habits and anything out of the ordinary, keeping coworkers apprised.
• General Housekeeping - Keep work stations clean and neat at all times including all areas in and around the stations as well as the common areas.
• Laundry - Make sure the laundry is done as needed.
• Grooming - Ensure that animals are clean and bushed, nails are clipped, and eyes and ears are kept clean. Animals that have fecal matter on them should be bathed immediately. Adoption Center animals should never have an unpleasant odor or unkempt appearance.
• General wellbeing - Immediately contact the supervisor any time an animal exhibits signs of not feeling well.
• Exercise - Ensure that each animal gets the proper amount of exercise daily.
• Verify that the front desk and the reception area are neat and clean at all times.
• Miscellaneous Assist with animal intake. Bring any unsafe or broken equipment to the attention of a supervisor.

Adoptions

• Demonstrate excellent customer service with prospective adopters and clients, ensuring that adopters feel welcome and comfortable.
• Quickly understand client needs and initiate the matchmaking process.
• Ensure new clients completely fill out the adoption survey.
• Provide walk-throughs so that potential adopters are introduced to resident animals.
• Be knowledgeable and describe physical and behavioral attributes of animals to potential adopters.
• Make courteous inquiries of relevant information, e.g. pet history.
• Converse with potential adopters building rapport.
• Educate adopters in responsible pet ownership.
• Ability to supervise and mentor volunteers

Qualifications:

• Needs to be detail oriented and precise
• Is kind and compassionate
• Able to follow directions
• Organized
• Patient
• Needs to be able to keep a clean uncluttered environment
• Works quickly
• Works well with others and understands the team approach

Specific Work Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to walk, bend, stand, lift, reach, stoop, carry, push, and pull at least 8 hours per day.
• Lifting of packages and large bags of food, 25-40 pounds, as well as bags of kitty litter up to 40 pounds.
• Lifting large animals for grooming.
• Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand the job.
• Ability to write neatly and communicate with others.
• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to restrain animals.
• Ability to attend staff meetings and training classes.
• Ability to understand the needs of the animals.

Preferences:

• Retail/Customer service experience
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• 1 year experience in animal care a plus

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Bideawee is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continuously strive to place our employees at the center of our thinking and elevate inclusive practices to develop and support a more engaged and productive workforce.

Equal Opportunity

Bideawee is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions without regard to mental or physical disability, race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, employment status or any protected federal, state, or local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.