Animal Caregiver

Animal Protective Association of Missouri; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Animal Protective Association of Missouri is seeking an Animal Caregiver to join our team in St. Louis. This full-time, hourly role focuses on high-quality animal care, daily cleaning, feeding, walking, and assistance with medical care to support shelter operations.

You will help manage intake and disposition, assist visitors, and maintain a safe, clean facility while upholding APA values and providing compassionate service to pets and people.

Qualifications

• Experience in animal health or welfare preferred.
• Friendly, customer service demeanor for internal and external customers.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and follow through.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, donors, volunteers and general public.
• Efficient organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines and balance multiple priorities.
• Ability to maintain composure and professional conduct during stressful situations.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain and work in outdoor weather conditions.
• Must be able to walk large dogs that pull.

Responsibilities

• Monitor health and well-being of the animals placed in the care of the APA Adoption Center.
• Provide quality care including cleaning, feeding, medical care, grooming, walking, and enrichment.
• Maintain and replenish equipment and supplies.
• Assist with customer visits.
• Foster teamwork at the APA.
• Assist with intake and disposition including adoption, foster, transfer, or euthanasia.
• Restrain animals for veterinarians and technicians.
• Understand safety equipment and proper use.
• Provide vaccinations, venipuncture, and medical care according to APA procedures.
• Utilize a database to enter medical, behavioral, and other information.
• Perform all duties to ensure a positive image and to improve the APA Adoption Center.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Animal welfare experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Customer service

Multitasking

Ability to work independently

Stress management

Adaptability

Job description

Description:

Join our team and help bring people and pets together! This position performs high quality animal care, daily cleaning, feeding, walking, assisting with medical care, and other related shelter duties. The APA also offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time employees to support the health and wellbeing of our team and their families.

Position:

Animal Caregiver

Status:

Full-time, hourly, non-exempt

Pay Rate:

$17/hour, based on experience

Description:

Join our team and help bring people and pets together! This position performs high quality animal care, daily cleaning, feeding, walking, assisting with medical care, and other related shelter duties. The APA also offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time employees to support the health and wellbeing of our team and their families.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

• Monitor health and well-being of the animals placed in the care of the APA Adoption Center.


• Provide quality care to include cleaning, feeding, medical care, grooming, walking, and enrichment.


• Maintain and replenish equipment and supplies.


• Assist with customer visits.


• Foster teamwork at the APA.


• Assist with intake and disposition including, but not limited to, adoption, foster, transfer, or euthanasia.


• Restrain animals for veterinarians and technicians.


• Understanding of safety equipment and proper use.


• Provide vaccinations, venipuncture, and medical care according to APA procedures.


• Utilize a database to enter medical, behavioral, and other information.


• Performs all duties to ensure a positive image and to improve the functioning of the APA Adoption Center.


• All other duties as assigned.

Exemplifies the APA’s Core Values:

At the APA, our values are more than words, they are the compass that guides us and defines who we are as a team.

• Partnership: We believe pets and people thrive together. By building trust and collaboration with families, neighborhoods, and partner organizations, we create stronger communities, expand access to care, and ensure that pets and people have the resources they need to stay together.


• Empathy: We lead with compassion, respect, and understanding in all that we do. Every decision begins with the well-being of pets and people, and we treat each individual—whether a client, colleague, or community partner with dignity and care.


• Trust: We act with transparency, integrity, and accountability. By being clear about our intentions, honest in our actions, and responsible stewards of resources, we earn the confidence of those we serve and inspire trust in the broader community.


• Spark: We spark innovation and creativity to advance animal welfare. By embracing new ideas, adapting to emerging needs, and developing forward-thinking solutions, we shape a future where every pet has the chance to thrive in a loving home

Participates in creating a thriving Culture of Philanthropy at the APA by:

• Being knowledgeable and supportive of APA programs.


• Sharing a passion for service to animals, people, and our community with our guests.


• Serving as an inspiration to all guests by providing an exemplary level of animal care and customer service.


• Being able to communicate a compelling case for support that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy at the APA.

Position Requirements:

• Experience in animal health or welfare preferred.


• Friendly, customer service demeanor for internal and external customers.


• Effective oral and written communication skills.


• Attention to detail and follow through.


• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, donors, volunteers and general public.


• Efficient organizational skills.


• Ability to work independently and part of a team.


• Ability to meet deadlines and balance multiple priorities.


• Ability to maintain composure and professional conduct during stressful situations.

Physical Qualifications (including Lifting And Pushing)

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for periods of five hours.


• Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain and work in outdoor weather conditions


• Must be able to walk large dogs that pull

Why Join the APA

Our Mission

At the APA, we bring and keep pets and people together, building connections that strengthen families and communities.

Our Vision

Our vision is a compassionate community where pets and people thrive together.

Our Values

P.E.T.S.

At the APA, our values are more than words, they are the compass that guides us and defines who we are as a team.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and comfortable experience for everyone. If you need any accommodations or accessibility support during the hiring process, please email [e-mail].