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.
Full-time, non-exempt Position Summary The Canine Caretaker is responsible for providing daily care to shelter dogs while ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for animals, adopters, volunteers, and staff. This position plays a critical role in supporting animal welfare through proper husbandry, safe handling, behavior observation, sanitation, and customer service. Essential Responsibilities Clean, sanitize, and maintain kennels, housing areas, enrichment items, and related shelter spaces according to established protocols. Provide daily care for shelter dogs, including feeding, watering, exercise, enrichment, and monitoring overall health and well-being. Safely handle dogs of varying sizes, ages, breeds, and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques and established safety procedures. Observe, accurately interpret, and document canine body language, behavior, and any changes in physical or emotional condition. Communicate behavior, health, and welfare concerns promptly to supervisors and other appropriate team members. Assist adopters and visitors by providing information about available animals and supporting positive adoption experiences through excellent customer service. Maintain accurate records and documentation related to animal care, behavior, and daily operations. Support volunteers and foster caregivers as directed and contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment. Qualifications Experience working with dogs in a shelter, veterinary, boarding, daycare, training, or similar animal care setting preferred. Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to canine body language and behavior. Commitment to humane animal care, workplace safety, and excellent customer service. Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and handling animals throughout the workday. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required. Ability to maintain a professional appearance, attitude, and demeanor when interacting with staff, volunteers, adopters, and the public. Dependable attendance and punctuality required. Must successfully pass a background check. Direct deposit (ACH) required. Working Conditions & Physical Requirements Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, emotionally demanding animal welfare environment. Work is performed in an animal shelter and may involve exposure to animal waste, noise, odors, zoonotic diseases, cleaning chemicals, and unpredictable animal behavior. Ability to work assigned schedules, including weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as needed. Ability to remain active for extended periods; frequently walk, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, push, pull, and perform repetitive physical tasks. Ability to safely lift and carry animals, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a high standard of animal care and customer service. The Humane Society of Delaware County is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for people and animals alike. This is an at-will position.
