Animal Care Associate

The Animal Care Associate is responsible for facilitating adoptions and overseeing the humane care of the animals at the HSEP. Animal Care Associates ensure that the animals are fed, have water and are provided with compassionate attention and care.

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Services

• Assists customers with finding a suitable pet for adoption.
• Conducts Meet 'n Greets with potential adopters' pets.
• Represents the HSEP in a professional and courteous manner to the public, volunteers and staff members.
• Actively promotes the HSEP programs, services and events to customers, volunteers, and staff members.
• Train volunteers.
• Refers customers to appropriate staff members for service when necessary.
• Other customer service duties as assigned.

Animal Care

• Follows disease control protocols to ensure a safe, healthy environment.
• Follows procedures for documenting, posting, and communicating health issues observed in the animals.
• Ensures all animals are properly identified with an ID collar and Kennel Card.
• Feeds shelter animals according to HSEP guidelines.
• Follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for staff and living environment for the animals. Takes corrective action to address safety concerns or issues that could put an employee, volunteer, customer, animal or the HSEP at risk.
• Keep the Shelter Manager informed of animal behavior issues, changes in health, and other concerns.
• Conduct enrichment activities for the animals that are developed by the Shelter Manager to increase their socialization and adaptability.
• If certified, may perform euthanasia of animals in accordance with HSEP guidelines.
• Conduct post-adoption consultations to aid in the transition of an animal from shelter to home.
• Assist Medical staff with procedures including but not limited to dog-to-dog introductions, proper animal restraint, animal behavior assessments, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED. Current Texas Driver's License, automobile liability insurance, and insurable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal behavior, health, handling, breed, and characteristics.
• Keen customer service skills and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to read and understand instructions.
• Ability to work safely with animals, disinfectants, and cleaning supplies.
• Ability to perform physical work: scrubbing, mopping, and lifting between 50 – 70 lbs. with reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to stand up and walk around for up to 8 hours a day.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and to work with a variety of individuals.
• Ability to use a computer preferred.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an animal shelter setting with the potential for exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic disease, animal bites, and scratches. Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to cleaning agents in the kennel area. Frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping are required for up to 8 hours a day to perform essential job functions. Regular lifting of 50 – 70 lbs. with reasonable accommodation is required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $10.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person