Animal Caregiver

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Animal Caregiver is responsible for providing daily care, cleaning, enrichment, and basic medical support for shelter animals.  This position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, sanitary, and compassionate environment for the animals while supporting the Animal Care Manager, Shelter Director, volunteers, and other team members.

Essential Responsibilities

• Open the kennels each morning and safely release dogs from their overnight kennels.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain animal kennels and housing areas according to shelter protocols.
• Provide clean, comfortable bedding for dogs and cats. 
• Clean and sanitize toys, equipment, and other animal-care areas. 
• Feed and provide fresh water to dogs and cats according to established schedules and individual animal needs.
• Administer medications, treatments, and vaccines as directed by the kennel manager and in accordance with shelter protocols.
• Bathe dogs and cats when necessary
• Immediately clean and properly disinfect accidents and soiled areas according to established cleaning procedures. 
• Monitor animals for changes in behavior, appetite, health, or overall condition and promptly report concerns to the Animal Care Manager.
• Maintain and update animal cage cards and other records to ensure information remains accurate and current.
• Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats as needed.
• Transport animals to veterinary appointments, adoption events, or other approved locations as needed. 
• Work cooperatively with volunteers and community service workers, including assisting with dog walking and other animal-care activities. 
• Follow all shelter policies, safety procedures, cleaning protocols and animals-handling guidelines.  
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Animal Care Manager or Shelter Director

Qualifications & Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will have 

• A genuine love and understanding of animals.
• A dependable, trustworthy, and responsible work ethic. 
• A strong commitment to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to multitask
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• The ability to remain calm, clear-headed, and composed in stressful situations.
• Professional and respectful communication with clients, coworkers, volunteers and community service workers.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to remain productive with minimal supervision.
• The ability to follow directions, policies, procedures, and established protocols consistently. 

Minimum Requirements & Physical Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs. 
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, lift, and perform physical cleaning duties throughout the workday.
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license if transporting animals or operating shelter vehicles.

Additional Information

Animal Caregiver duties are not limited to those listed above. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed by the Animal Care Manager or Shelter Director.

Benefits 

• Flexible scheduling 
• Paid time off 
• 401K 
• Holiday pay

If you are passionate about animal welfare, take pride in providing excellent care, and enjoy being part of a team dedicated to helping shelter animals, we would love to hear from you! 

By applying to this job, you agree to receive periodic text messages from this employer and Homebase about your pending job application. Opt out anytime. Msg & data rates may apply.