Animal Welfare Attendant

About the Role

The Animal Welfare Attendant (AWA) team members are expected to provide and maintain a high standard of daily care, monitoring and feeding almost all the animals housed at the Wake County Animal Center. AWAs are responsible for sanitizing their assigned kennels each morning in the time allotted and providing follow-up care throughout the day. The staff members on the AWA team are also responsible for tasks assigned by the Animal Welfare Manager or Animal Welfare Supervisors, as well as daily tasks that are performed communally.

The AWAs at WCAC are also adoption counselors throughout our adoption hours, which are normally noon to 6:00 pm. During this time, the AWA staff members may assist customers who are looking for a new addition to their family or searching for their lost pet, answer radio calls from the front desk staff to provide support, and assist foster parents or rescue partners. Due to the large number of kennels and duties to be performed daily, the AWAs work in a fast paced environment where efficiency and effectiveness are of the upmost importance. Also, because the Animal Center is an open-admission facility, the animals that come into the Center may have behavioral or medical issues which require special care, proper and humane animal handling, and recognition of common or infectious animal disease.

Communal Tasks

• Laundry
• Cleaning the animal kitchen
• Sweeping
• Mopping
• Putting away animals after surgery

Daily Assigned Tasks

• Deep cleaning supply areas
• Deep cleaning the kitchen
• Performing animal inventory

About Our Team

The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County Government and on average takes in between 7,000 to 9,000 animals each year. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. The Center works in partnership with fosters, volunteers and local rescues, to treat and rehome thousands of homeless animals every year.

Required Education and Experience

• No specific education level required
• No specific experience required
• Equivalent education and experience are accepted
• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume

Preferred Education and Experience

• Two years of related animal care experience
• Previous animal shelter experience

Skills

• Ability to confidently and proactively assess situations and determine the appropriate course of actions within assigned parameters
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of accountability
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive, productive relationships with peers, colleagues and management
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work with all types of domesticated animals
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of animal handling techniques
• Ability to work well with others in a stressful environment
• Self-motivation and proven time management skills
• Ability to work under general OR constant supervision

Location

Wake County Animal Control, Raleigh, NC 27610

Employment Type

Regular

Schedule

40 hours Sunday through Saturday with shifts varying between 7:00am to 6:30pm

Pay

Hiring Range: 24.98 - 27.17
Market Range: 24.98 - 29.36

Additional Information

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 9/21/2026

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.