Animal Care Specialist

This isn't just a job. It's kind of a calling. If you're the type of person who stops to say hi to every dog you pass, gets personally invested in animals you've just met, and wants to spend your workday actually making a difference — we might be your people. I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven is a nonprofit, no-kill rescue in Warren, MI, and we're looking for an Animal Care Specialist to join our team. But let's be real with you first: You will sweat through your shirt before 10 AM. You will cry in your car on the way home because a dog came in today who broke your heart, and then you'll cry again the day he gets adopted. You will wake up at 2 AM on the couch still in your work clothes, wondering what you got yourself into. And then you'll come back the next morning, and a dog who wouldn't look at anyone last week will walk up and put his head in your hands — and that'll be enough. This job is physically hard, emotionally demanding, and nothing like what people picture when they imagine "working with animals." It will also be one of the most meaningful things you've ever done. Both things are true, every single day. If you're looking for something short-term or seasonal, this isn't it. If you're looking for somewhere you can really dig in and build something — we'd love to meet you. What you'll actually be doing: Daily care for our dogs — feeding, watering, medicating, play groups, yard time, and a whole lot of love! Deep cleaning and sanitizing kennels and animal housing areas Bathing and grooming Monitoring animal health and behavior and flagging anything that needs attention Helping potential adopters meet their future best friend Performing basic medical procedures like vaccinations and microchipping Keeping the whole facility clean and running smoothly What we bring to the table: Bring Your Dog To Work Day is every day! — yes, really Free or discounted veterinary care for your personal pets 1.5x pay on holidays Your birthday off, paid Paid lunch breaks Paid sick time Work t-shirts and sweatshirts provided Non-slip shoes or boots provided Ongoing training and development Discounted adoption fees Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) What we're looking for: We'll be honest — we don't just hire for skills. We hire for vibe . We're a small, close-knit team who work hard, genuinely care about our animals' wellbeing, and have learned that a good sense of humor isn't optional — it's survival. We need people who consistently show up, dig in, and can still find something to laugh about at the end of a long, messy day. Prior hands-on experience with dogs (beyond your own) is required — vet clinics, boarding, doggy daycare, shelters, training centers, farms, zoos, and volunteer work all count Upbeat, team-oriented, and easy to work with — we spend a lot of hours together Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment and manage your time without someone looking over your shoulder Comfortable with dogs of any size, breed, or age Able to lift up to 50 lbs and stay on your feet for up to 8 hours High school diploma or GED required Reliable transportation and consistent attendance — this is non-negotiable! At least 1 year of stable employment history at a prior job Available to work weekdays, weekends, and some holidays; flexible schedule preferred The details: We are located at 9 Mile/Groesbeck Hwy in Warren, MI. Our facility runs 8:00 AM-8:30 PM every day. Available shifts are 8:00 AM-3:30 PM and 1:00-8:30 PM — we're looking for applicants who are available for both, not just day shifts. This is a part-time position (22-30 hours/week) with the potential to eventually grow into full-time. This position requires one weekend shift per week and some holidays.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$15.00 - $15.50 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person