Animal Shelter Assistant

Ellen M. Gifford Cat Shelter; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellen M. Gifford Cat Shelter is seeking dedicated staff to care for homeless cats in a free-roam, no-kill environment in Boston. The role involves feeding, cleaning, health monitoring, and assisting with adoptions to help cats find loving homes.

Applicants should be able to lift up to 40 lbs, work 3–4 shifts weekly (including at least one weekend shift), and hold a valid driver’s license. The shelter operates 365 days a year with morning/evening/weekend availability.

Qualifications

• Must have a passion for cats.
• Must be able to work in a physical environment with constant movement, lifting, cleaning.
• Ability to care for healthy and sick cats.
• Must be able to lift, move, or carry cats or objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Seeking full and part-time attendants; must be able to work 3-4 shifts per week, at least one weekend shift per week.
• Salary: $18-20 per hour.
• Driver's License required.
• Gifford Cat Shelter is staffed 365 days a year; ability to work some mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays required.

Responsibilities

• Perform cat care duties such as preparing food, feeding and providing water, cleaning and disinfecting cat areas, washing litter boxes, tools, and dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, and washing debris from walls, beds, and any other areas.
• Monitor healthy, sick, quarantined, and injured cats for unusual physical and behavioral conditions. Communicate concerns to the shelter manager and act upon feedback.
• Medicate or assist in the medication of cats, as directed by the shelter’s veterinarian or shelter manager.
• Receive cats to be admitted for shelter care and properly identify and release animals to their owners, as directed by the shelter manager.
• Complete various records and forms such as medical sheets, logs of controlled medication dispensed, task lists.
• Restock supplies through the building, noting low inventory to management.
• Work alongside and guide volunteer activities, providing tips and knowledge, as necessary.
• Adoption Facilitation: Greet visitors, answer questions, match pets to families, conduct interviews, review applications, process fees, and complete paperwork.
• Animal Care Support: Observe animals, assist with basic care (feeding, cleaning), note behavioral issues, and coordinate with vet staff.

Skills

Passion for cats

Ability to lift up to 40 lbs

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Are you a cat lover who’s interested in a full or part-time position caring for homeless cats?

Gifford Cat Shelter – the first free-roam, no-kill shelter in the country – seeks staff who thrive on giving animals within their care the best possible care shelter resources permit, who will show compassion and understanding to every animal and person who comes their way, and who will perform tasks in an effective and efficient manner.

Major Responsibilities

• Perform cat care duties such as preparing food, feeding and providing water, cleaning and disinfecting cat areas, washing litter boxes, tools, and dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, and washing debris from walls, beds, and any other areas.
• Monitor healthy, sick, quarantined, and injured cats for unusual physical and behavioral conditions. Communicate concerns to the shelter manager and act upon feedback.
• Medicate or assist in the medication of cats, as directed by the shelter’s veterinarian or shelter manager.
• Receive cats to be admitted for shelter care and properly identify and release animals to their owners, as directed by the shelter manager.
• Complete various records and forms such as medical sheets, logs of controlled medication dispensed, task lists.
• Restock supplies through the building, noting low inventory to management.
• Work alongside and guide volunteer activities, providing tips and knowledge, as necessary.
• Adoption Facilitation: Greet visitors, answer questions, match pets to families, conduct interviews, review applications, process fees, and complete paperwork.
• Animal Care Support: Observe animals, assist with basic care (feeding, cleaning), note behavioral issues, and coordinate with vet staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must have a passion for cats!
• Must be able to work in a physical environment with constant movement, lifting, cleaning
• Ability to care for healthy and sick cats.
• Must be able to lift, move, or carry cats or objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Seeking full and part-time attendants; must be able to work 3-4 shifts per week, at least one weekend shift per week.
• Salary: $18-20 per hour.
• Driver's License required.
• Gifford Cat Shelter is staffed 365 days a year; ability to work some mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays required.

The mission of Gifford Cat Shelter is to provide a haven for stray, abused, and unwanted cats until they are matched with their permanent loving homes. At Gifford, cats are free to roam and play. They nap in sunny windows, get plenty of exercise, and enjoy tons of love and attention while they wait for their forever homes.

A no-kill shelter, Gifford believes that all cats should have a chance to live their lives free of pain and fear. No matter their story, every Gifford cat has a future to look forward to. And until they find their new homes, they'll spend their days in bright, open environments, getting all the love they need!

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