Animal Care & Transport Specialist

About the role

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) is seeking a full‑time, non‑exempt Animal Care & Transport Specialist. The position provides hands‑on care for shelter animals and supports safe, reliable transportation among HSSW locations, veterinary partners, foster homes, adoption events, and other approved destinations. Approximately 50‑70% of the schedule is spent in animal care and 30‑50% on transportation and related logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Animal Care
  • Provide daily husbandry for shelter animals, including feeding, watering, health and behavior monitoring, and cleaning of animal areas.
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, crates, equipment, supplies, laundry, and public areas according to sanitation and disease‑prevention protocols.
  • Restock animal care areas and maintain clean, orderly, and safe spaces throughout the day.
  • Safely handle and move animals of varying sizes, species, temperaments, and physical conditions using approved techniques and equipment.
  • Observe animals for medical, behavioral, or welfare concerns and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate team members.
  • Follow safety procedures and take immediate action to correct or report hazards or unsafe practices.
• Animal Transportation
  • Safely transport live animals among HSSW locations, veterinary partners, foster homes, adoption events, and other approved destinations using company vehicles.
  • Coordinate scheduled and urgent transportation with Operations leadership, confirming routes, timing, destination requirements, and needed documentation.
  • Select and use appropriate carriers, restraints, and other equipment; safely load, secure, transport, and unload animals.
  • Monitor animals during transport and respond to behavioral, medical, environmental, or welfare concerns.
  • Provide approved care during transport, including containment and access to food, water, or other necessary support.
  • Verify animal identification and transportation documentation before departure and upon arrival.
  • Support transportation needs for animal transfers, veterinary appointments, foster placements, adoption events, off‑site programs, and other HSSW activities.
• Motor Vehicle Operations & Logistics
  • Complete required pre‑trip and post‑trip vehicle inspections and promptly report maintenance, damage, or safety concerns.
  • Keep vehicles clean, sanitary, fueled, stocked, and ready for safe operation.
  • Ensure transportation equipment and supplies are appropriate for the animals being moved and in good working condition.
  • Follow established routing, scheduling, incident‑reporting, and vehicle safety procedures.
  • Safely operate vehicles, animal transport equipment, and tools.
• Records, Communication & Compliance
  • Complete transportation, transfer, chain‑of‑custody, scheduling, and animal records accurately and on time.
  • Enter required information into applicable systems and maintain clear, organized documentation.
  • Communicate transportation updates, delays, concerns, incidents, and changes promptly to appropriate staff and leadership.
  • Follow HSSW policies, procedures, and applicable transportation, workplace safety, and animal welfare requirements.
  • Protect confidential organizational and animal‑related information and maintain professional conduct.
• Perform other duties that support animal care, transportation, and HSSW operations as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated compassion, emotional intelligence, and professionalism when working with animals, staff, volunteers, veterinary partners, and the public.
• Proficiency in safe animal handling and consistent application of animal welfare principles.
• Sound judgment in recognizing and responding to animal behavior, medical, and welfare concerns.
• Consistent application of sanitation, disease‑prevention, and workplace safety practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Effective organization, adaptability to changing priorities, and reliable follow‑through both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar applications; timely, accurate use of required HSSW systems after training.
• Safe and professional operation of vehicles and equipment.
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and successful Motor Vehicle Record check.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lb, load and unload animals, carriers, supplies, and equipment, and operate motor vehicles.
• Work occurs in indoor and outdoor animal shelter and veterinary environments, as well as in vehicles.
• Exposure to animals of varying species, sizes, temperaments, and physical conditions; cleaning chemicals; dust; allergens; loud noise; unpleasant odors; varying weather conditions; and potentially zoonotic diseases.

Pay

Hourly rate ranges from $20.85 to $25.24, with the starting wage dependent upon experience.

Benefits

• Health insurance effective the first of the month following hire (full‑time employees).
• Dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire.
• Matching‑percentage 401(k) retirement plan with a 3‑year graded vesting schedule and ROTH contribution option.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to employees and household members.
• Section 125 FSA cafeteria plan for out‑of‑pocket health and/or dependent day‑care expenses.
• Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
• Numerous employee discounts and partner‑organization discounts.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.

Paid Time Off

• PTO accrues at a rate of 2 hours for every 40 hours worked.
• Floating holidays (full‑time employees).
• Bereavement leave, including pet bereavement leave.

Culture, Vision & Values

HSSW’s vision is a community where everyone loves and cares for animals. The mission is “Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time.” Core values include Compassion, Collaboration, Excellence, Service, and Integrity. The organization emphasizes teamwork, adaptability, lifelong learning, and a high‑energy, innovative culture dedicated to animal welfare.