We’re Hiring!
Job Title:Animal Care Attendant
Hours: Full Time, 36-40 hours per week
Reports to: Shelter Manager/Director of Animal Care
Position Summary
The Animal Care Attendant is responsible for providing daily care, cleaning, enrichment, and monitoring of animals housed at the shelter. This position ensures the health, safety, and well-being of all animals while maintaining a clean, sanitary, and welcoming environment. The Animal Care Attendant works closely with shelter staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and the public to support the organization's mission of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care
Provide daily feeding, watering, and monitoring of shelter animals.
Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, litterboxes, food and water dishes, and animal housing areas.
Exercise and socialize dogs through walking, enrichment activities, and positive interactions.
Provide enrichment and handling for cats and other shelter animals.
Monitor animal health and behavior and report concerns promptly to supervisors.
Administer medications as directed and trained.
Assist with animal intake, transfers, adoptions, and reunifications.
Ensure all animals receive appropriate care, comfort, and attention.
Animal Handling
Safely handle dogs, cats, and other companion animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and medical conditions.
Utilize low-stress handling techniques and follow shelter safety protocols.
Assist with behavior modification and enrichment plans as directed.
Work safely with behaviorally challenged or fearful animals.
Shelter Maintenance
Maintain a clean and sanitary shelter environment.
Launder bedding, towels, and cleaning materials.
Stock and organize animal care supplies.
Assist with facility cleaning and maintenance tasks as required.
Follow disease prevention and biosecurity protocols.
Customer Service
Interact professionally with adopters, volunteers, and members of the public.
Assist visitors with animal viewing and basic information.
Promote positive public relations and the mission of the organization.
Team Participation
Work collaboratively with shelter staff and volunteers.
Attend staff meetings and training sessions.
Participate in emergency animal care situations as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
High school diploma or equivalent.
Previous experience working with animals in a shelter, kennel, veterinary clinic, daycare, boarding facility, or similar environment.
Ability to safely handle dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments.
Valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and perform physically demanding tasks.
Preferred
Animal care, veterinary assistant, dog handling, or animal behavior certification.
Experience administering medications.
Knowledge of animal welfare, enrichment, and shelter operations.
First Aid/CPR certification.
Working Conditions
Exposure to animal odors, noise, cleaning chemicals, and allergens.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and repetitive movements.
Potential exposure to frightened, aggressive, or unpredictable animals.
Work performed both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
Core Competencies
Compassion for animals and people.
Reliability and accountability.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Commitment to animal welfare and humane treatment.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation and benefits are based on organizational policies and experience. Benefits may include health benefits, paid time off, employee assistance programs, professional development opportunities, and employee discounts where applicable.
To Apply
Please send your cover letter and resume to Wendy Riley, Director of Animal Care – directoranimalcare@northumberlandhs.com.
Application deadline – 5.00 PM, June 30th.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected status.