Animal Care Technician (Seasonal)

About the role

The Animal Care Technician (ACT) supports Pets In Need’s rescue and adoption efforts by providing daily care for shelter animals, including feeding, cleaning, medicating, exercising, and enriching their lives. This position involves assisting with walking and rotating dogs, administering medications, preparing edible enrichment, maintaining living areas, observing animals for health issues, transporting animals, and performing various administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care, feeding, exercise, and enrichment for shelter animals.
• Assist with walking and rotating dogs from kennels throughout the day.
• May participate in showing dogs and/or cats to members of the public or volunteers, once trained to behaviorally handle different “levels” of animals.
• Administers and dispenses animal medications (vaccinations and oral treatments) as prescribed by the Medical Team.
• Prepares and provides edible enrichment for animals, including stuffing kongs and handing out chews.
• Clean and maintain animal living areas, bedding, furniture, and all animal/shelter equipment, staff, and public areas.
• Observe shelter animals for any unusual symptoms that may indicate a medical or behavioral issue and report to appropriate channels.
• Transport animals as needed.
• Clean public areas as needed (e.g., restrooms).
• Crosstrain and assist at both locations with animal care duties when needed.
• Always promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.
• Follow established procedures governing safe work practices; ensure the safety of the animals, oneself, and others.
• Perform duties in a way that encourages contributions and business for Pets In Need.
• Always treat people and animals with respect, contribute to effective teamwork, foster staff cooperation, and promote public relations beneficial to Pets In Need.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

• No allergic conditions that would be aggravated when animals are present in the workplace.
• Moderately to highly physical position requiring standing, bending, lifting, and walking.
• Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain animals, when necessary.
• Ability to walk and handle large dogs up to 100 pounds, as well as socialize with cats.
• An understanding and willingness to work with potentially dangerous and/or fractious animals.
• Must be able to read, write, and express information verbally in English.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and/or verbal instructions.
• Communicate with the public and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous, and tactful manner at all times.
• Must have and maintain a valid California driver's license with a good driving record.
• Maturity, good judgment, and professional personal appearance.
• Comfortable and skilled in working with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community.
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Relevant experience required.
• Must understand and support Pets In Need's No Kill mission.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• At least a high school diploma or GED is required; preference given to candidates with work experience in an animal shelter and/or non-profit organization.