Position Overview The Animal Care Technician is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of care, cleanliness, and enrichment for the animals in our shelter. This position plays a key role in maintaining a safe, sanitary, and compassionate environment for dogs and cats awaiting adoption or transfer. The technician works hands-on with animals daily and supports the shelter's overall operations with attention to detail, commitment to animal welfare, and team collaboration. Key Responsibilities Animal Husbandry & Care Provide daily care for cats and dogs, including feeding, watering, and observation of health and behavior. Monitor animals for signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavioral changes and promptly report any concerns. Assist in the administration of basic medical treatments as directed by the veterinary or medical team (e.g., topical treatments, oral medications). Accurately document care routines, treatments, and observations in shelter software and logs. Kennel & Facility Cleanliness Maintain rigorous sanitation protocols for all kennels, cages, play yards, and animal areas. Deep clean and disinfect animal housing units, food/water bowls, litter boxes, and bedding according to shelter standards. Manage and organize inventory of cleaning supplies, laundry, and animal care items. Ensure that all cleaning activities align with disease control protocols and create a safe environment for both animals and staff. Enrichment & Behavioral Wellness Implement daily enrichment routines for dogs and cats to support their mental and emotional well-being. Rotate enrichment tools (e.g., toys, treats, puzzle feeders) and update plans to fit individual needs and shelter enrichment goals. Provide socialization, play, walks, and training activities appropriate to the species and behavior of each animal. Observe and record animal reactions to enrichment and interactions for use by the behavior and adoption teams. Team Collaboration & Shelter Operations Work cooperatively with other staff, volunteers, and management to ensure smooth animal care operations. Participate in shelter-wide tasks such as laundry, dishes, restocking supplies, and organizing storage. Assist in moving animals throughout the facility for medical, intake, adoption, or housing purposes using safe handling techniques. Support public and internal events as needed, such as adoption days or transport coordination. Key Attributes Strong attention to detail and commitment to thorough, consistent animal care. Compassionate and calm presence around animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and conditions. Reliability and punctuality for assigned shifts; willingness to work weekends and holidays. Physical stamina to handle repetitive tasks, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in a physically demanding environment. Work Conditions Daily exposure to cleaning agents, animal hair, waste, and kennel environments. Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and walking in indoor/outdoor settings. Exposure to unpredictable animal behavior and occasional stressful or emotionally challenging situations.

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off

Work Location:

In person