Animal Care & Transport Advocate

Humane Society for Southwest Washington; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program

FSA Cafeteria Plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is seeking an Animal Care & Transport Specialist to join our team in Washington. This full-time role combines daily animal care with safe, reliable transportation between HSSW locations and partners.

You will perform animal husbandry, sanitation, handling, vehicle readiness, and keep accurate records, with roughly half your time in care and the rest in transport and logistics, working to support pets and people in our community.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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 associated public areas in accordance with 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 that could place a person, animal, or the organization at risk.
• 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 transportation and respond appropriately to behavioral, medical, environmental, or welfare concerns.
• Provide approved care during transport, including appropriate 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.
• 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 available, 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.
• 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 and procedures and applicable transportation, workplace safety, and animal welfare requirements.
• Protect confidential organizational and animal-related information and maintain professional conduct in all interactions.
• Perform other duties that support animal care, transportation, and HSSW operations as assigned.

Skills

Compassion

Animal handling

Communication

Safety

Organization

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is seeking an Animal Care & Transport Specialist to join our team in Washington. This full-time role combines daily animal care with safe, reliable transportation between HSSW locations and partners.

You will perform animal husbandry, sanitation, handling, vehicle readiness, and keep accurate records, with roughly half your time in care and the rest in transport and logistics, working to support pets and people in our community.