Animal Caretaker

Humane Society of Pinellas; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 22,730; Full time

Job summary

A prominent animal welfare organization in Clearwater, FL, is seeking an Animal Caretaker to support the physical and emotional needs of shelter animals. The role requires exceptional customer service skills, the ability to follow safety and cleaning procedures, and comfort handling various companion animals. Candidates should have a positive outlook and a strong desire to ensure animal well-being. This full-time position offers compensation of $15-16.50/hr based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in boarding kennel or shelter preferred.
• Ability to handle various companion animals effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service to the public.
• Follow established cleaning, feeding, and handling procedures.
• Report concerns about animal behavior and health.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in work areas.

Skills

Customer-service orientation

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Effective communication

Tools

Shelterluv Animal Management Software

Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

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COMPANY: Humane Society of Pinellas

JOB TITLE: Animal Caretaker

REPORTS TO: Animal Care Supervisor

LOCATION: Clearwater, FL 33759

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FULL-TIME

STATUS: Hourly; Non-Exempt

HOURS: FULL TIME - 40hrs/week

SCHEDULE

• Tuesday – 10:00–6:30
• Wednesday – 8:00–4:30
• Thursday – 8:00–4:30
• Friday – 10:00–6:30
• Saturday – 10:00–6:30

AT LEAST ONE WEEKEND DAY REQUIRED.

COMPENSATION: $15-16.50/hr Based on experience

SUMMARY: The Animal Caretaker is responsible for the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of all animals at the Humane Society of Pinellas. The Animal Caretaker must objectively communicate medical and behavioral observations to the appropriate department, be respectful of the HSP facility and animals, while also understanding the animals in their care are adjusting to a shelter environment. The Animal Caretaker is responsible for helping alleviate the stress of this adjustment period through proper cleaning protocols, low‑stress handling, and enriching the lives of newly admitted pets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide exceptional customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times.
• Follow established cleaning, feeding and animal handling procedures.
• Follow established safety procedures for all aspects of the shelter, with special emphasis on animal handling and cleaning chemicals.
• Report concerns about animal behavior and health to the Animal Care Supervisor.
• Report safety and maintenance issues to the Lead Animal Caretaker.
• Cross‑train to gain familiarity and comfort following procedures and policies in all kennel areas (dogs, cats, and small wonders).
• Attend all dog walking trainings conducted by the Behavior Department in order to follow established protocols and successfully move through the levels (Blue, Green and Purple).
• Use proper walking equipment while handling dogs and assist volunteers in appropriate protocols.
• Greet all customers upon arrival and direct them toward the appropriate department or area of interest.
• Encourage adopters and visitors to participate in the Society’s services, such as behavior counseling, etc.
• Maintain all work areas in a neat and aesthetically pleasing manner, with an emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and sanitation.
• Participate in staff and department meetings and training opportunities.
• Be prepared to assist in any disaster affecting HSP.
• Honor confidentiality of shelter business.
• Stay up to date with all procedure and policy changes.
• Follow and promote to the public all HSP policies and philosophies.
• Handle animals humanely and safely at all times.
• Demonstrate a high quality of work standards and work ethics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor, veterinarian, and Director of Operations.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Boarding kennel, doggie daycare or shelter experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Shelterluv Animal Management Software a plus.
• Experience with medical and behavioral needs of companion animals a plus.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Comfort handling all companion animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and birds.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, effectively with staff, volunteers, and HSP clients.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Multitasking and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

BEHAVIORS REQUIRED

• Customer‑service orientation.
• Highly motivated and energetic, ability to show initiative and work independently.
• Ability to willingly attend and participate in training sessions.
• Ability to be discreet and handle highly sensitive/confidential information in a responsible manner.
• Ability to handle diverse, simultaneous tasks, meet deadlines, and attend to follow through.
• A positive outlook and vision.
• Must stand by the service we deliver.
• Lifelong learner who enjoys improving knowledge.
• Strong professionalism both in appearance and presentation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Moderate physical activity performing potentially strenuous activities to include:

• Sitting, standing, and/or walking for an extended period of time.
• Lifting 40 lbs. or more.
• Working outdoors in all forms of weather, including heat, cold, humidity, sun, or rain.
• Working in a well‑lighted, heated, and/or air‑conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.
• Using close/distant/peripheral and depth perception.

No job description or policy of the Humane Society of Pinellas may be interpreted to allow any employee, volunteer, or representative to violate local, state, or federal law.