Animal Care Attendant

Humane Society of Mason County; Washington; On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Humane Society of Mason County is seeking an Animal Care Attendant to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for animals in our care. This role involves routine cleaning, sanitation, medication tracking, and basic husbandry to support clinic, foster, and shelter operations.

You will work closely with volunteers and staff, follow disease control and biosecurity protocols, and assist with intake, discharge, and enrichment activities to promote animal welfare.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize kennels, clinic, and shelter holding spaces to meet high hygiene standards.
• Sweep and mop floors throughout the facility.
• Collect, wash, dry, and fold linens and bedding used in animal care.
• Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment following protocols.
• Assist with intake, discharge preparation, and organization of medications and supplies.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness or distress and report concerns to veterinary staff.
• Enter notes into shelter software and maintain records on care and medications.

Job description

Job Summary

The Animal Care Attendant role is essential to maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment for the animals in our care, performing various cleaning and sanitation duties to support the smooth operation of our clinic, foster and shelter facilities, contributing to the health and well-being of the animals in our care.

Essential Job Functions

• Clean and sanitize kennels, clinic, and shelter holding spaces to meet our organization’s high standards of hygiene.
• Sweep and mop all floors throughout the facility.
• Collect, wash, dry, and fold linens and bedding used in animal care.
• Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment following established protocols.
• Assist with other cleaning tasks as needed to maintain a safe, sanitary, and welcoming environment for animals, staff, and visitors.
• Collaborate with volunteers to maintain a clean, comfortable, and supportive environment for the animals and staff.
• Maintain accurate logs and communications across shelter teams
• Administer prescribed medications to shelter animals as directed by veterinary staff.
• Complete daily animal care and medication tracking sheets.
• Enter notes into shelter software systems to ensure continuity of care across departments
• Monitor animals for signs of illness, stress, pain, or behavioral changes and promptly report concerns to veterinary or leadership staff
• Support foster and animal care teams by preparing animals for transfer, intake, or return, including organizing medications, paperwork, and supplies
• Assist with intake and discharge preparation, including cage cards, feeding instructions, medication labels, and care notes
• Follow disease control, quarantine, and biosecurity protocols to reduce the spread of illness within the facility and foster network
• Provide daily enrichment and basic husbandry to support animal welfare, including feeding, watering, litterbox maintenance, and gentle handling as appropriate
• Assist with restocking animal care supplies, medications, cleaning materials, and enrichment items
• Maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers regarding animal care needs, schedules, and observations
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Education and Licenses

• High school diploma or GED

Interpersonal Skills and Professional Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.
• Comfort working around animals, including handling basic animal care routines.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and follow established cleaning protocols.
• Models a professional and courteous manner with staff and clients.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to multi-task and still attend to detail
• Ability to handle animals with care and patience
• Ability to work well with others
• Should possess a strong work ethic and be able to work well under pressure

Company Mission and Workplace Core Values

All employees of HSMC are expected to embrace the organizational mission of providing a second chance for companion animals. In addition, adhering and contributing positively to our team core values is required. These values embody: Team over ego, solutions over blame, psychological safety, progress not perfection, and a “compassion first” approach.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Physical ability to perform cleaning tasks, including lifting up to 25 pounds.
• The role involves exposure to animal odors, noises, and behaviors typical of an animal care facility, as well as interaction with animals at various stages of health and recovery.
• Work standing for up to 8 hours
• Bend and kneel repeatedly
• Repetitive motions that include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Communicating with others to exchange information