An Animal Care Worker or Manager manages animal care and grooming for a retail store that sells pets or for a pet grooming business. May also provide animal care and grooming at a kennel. Works with animals in shelters or rescue organizations. Works primarily with dogs and cats. Assists veterinarians with vaccinations or other procedures; screens people who want to adopt an animal from a shelter and provides information about caring for animals.
Under the direction of the Lifesaving Programs Manager, the Animal Caregiver is responsible for providing daily care to shelter animals, maintaining a clean and sanitary facility, and supporting positive outcomes for animals and people. This role plays a vital part in animal health, welfare, and adoptability, while also providing courteous and professional customer service to the community. Duties may vary based on the operational needs of the shelter.
Essential Functions:
Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following: Observe animals daily for general physical condition, behavior, and signs of illness, injury, or stress Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kennels, cages, runs, and common shelter area Feed animals according to established protocols and individual care plans Safely handle, restrain, and transport animals using humane handling techniques Walk dogs multiple times daily to provide exercise and elimination opportunities Clean, maintain, and properly store tools, equipment, and supplies used in daily operations
Typical Duties & Responsibilities:
Follow all HSIMC policies, procedures, and animal care protocols Clean and sanitize animal housing areas, food and water bowls, laundry, and related equipment Ensure animals are clean, comfortable, and appropriately identified Monitor, recognize, and document changes in animal health or behavior and report concerns to Leadership Assist with animal intake, identification, and location tracking Support animal releases to owners or adopters as directed by Leadership Assist with medication administration and animal restraint when requested Unpack, label, and stock shelter supplies and donations Perform general facility cleaning, including trash and recycling removal Patrol shelter grounds daily to maintain a safe and clean environment Maintain equipment in good working order and notify Management of repair or supply needs Perform other related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Physical Requirements Regularly lift and carry materials up to 40 pounds Frequently handle materials up to 20 pounds Safely handle dogs weighing up to 150 pounds Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical tasks for extended periods Ability to safely restrain active or stressed animals when necessary Working Conditions Work is performed both indoors and outdoors Exposure to noise, odors, animal waste, and cleaning chemicals Potential exposure to animal bites, scratches, and zoonotic diseases
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of:
Proper cleaning and disinfecting methods Safe animal handling and restraint techniques Ability to: Use cleaning tools and equipment efficiently and safely Follow written and verbal instructions Work both independently and as part of a team Desirable Skills & Experience Experience handling animals with varying temperaments Ability to build trust with animals during handling, transport, grooming, or treatment Knowledge of common animal illnesses and signs of distress Experience administering oral medications Ability to assess and communicate changes in animal condition or behavior Strong communication skills, both verbal and written Professional, courteous demeanor with coworkers and the public Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment Sound judgment and ability to prioritize tasks
