Animal Shelter Attendant

City of Red Oak, Texas; Red Oak (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Red Oak Animal Care & Control is seeking an Animal Shelter Attendant to provide daily care, feeding, cleaning, and enrichment for shelter animals. You will support humane handling, observe health, and assist the public and staff with visits in a respectful, safe environment.

Responsibilities include kennel sanitation, animal handling, and coordinating with the team to ensure timely care, reporting concerns, and maintaining accurate records while upholding City standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months to one year of animal shelter/kennel experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect animal holding areas daily.
• Feed animals daily and monitor health and behavior.
• Observe animals for signs of illness or distress and report concerns to supervisor.
• Assist adopters and visitors with visits and provide general animal information.
• Update animal listings and adoption profiles in a timely manner.

Skills

Animal care

Customer service

Communication

Record keeping

Teamwork

Safety handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Summary

The Animal Shelter Attendant works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and is responsible for the daily care, feeding, monitoring, cleaning, and enrichment of animals housed at the Red Oak Animal Care and Control facility. This position helps maintain a safe, clean, sanitary, and humane environment by performing routine kennel operations, assisting with animal handling, observing animal health and behavior, and providing courteous service to the public and internal staff.

Summary

The Animal Shelter Attendant works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and is responsible for the daily care, feeding, monitoring, cleaning, and enrichment of animals housed at the Red Oak Animal Care and Control facility. This position helps maintain a safe, clean, sanitary, and humane environment by performing routine kennel operations, assisting with animal handling, observing animal health and behavior, and providing courteous service to the public and internal staff.

Schedule:

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are set shifts. Employees may choose between a Thursday-Monday or Friday-Tuesday schedule. Some holidays and special events may also be required as needed.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect animal holding areas, exercise areas, and related rooms daily in accordance with established sanitation procedures.
• Feed animals daily and monitor eating habits, behavior, and general condition.
• Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, disease, distress, or unusual behavior and promptly report concerns to the Animal Control Supervisor.
• Pick up needed supplies from the Red Oak Police Department administrative building and restock the Animal Care and Control facility as needed.
• Use appropriate animal handling techniques to promote a safe, humane, and low-stress environment for animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Groom, handle, and provide compassionate care to animals housed at the facility.
• Prepare and move animals for medical attention, procedures, examinations, or treatment by staff and/or veterinarians.
• Exercise eligible animals and provide appropriate enrichment activities.
• Stock, organize, and maintain animal holding areas and support rooms.
• Wash and dry towels, blankets, food bowls, and water bowls; sterilize items as required.
• Inspect facility grounds daily and remove trash, waste, and stool material.
• Maintain equipment and tools in good working condition, store items in designated areas, and notify the Animal Control Supervisor of needed repairs or replacement equipment.
• Communicate with department personnel regarding animal placement, spay/neuter appointments, medical needs, and overall animal health and well-being.
• Assist adopters and visitors with animal visitations and provide general animal information.
• Update animal listings and adoption profiles accurately and in a timely manner.
• Represent the City of Red Oak in a professional, courteous, and appropriate manner at all times.
• Work an assigned schedule that includes mandatory weekends, some holidays, and special events as required.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months to one year of experience in an animal shelter, kennel, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, animal rescue, or related animal care environment preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• NIMS training required; may be completed after hire as directed by the City.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of basic animal health, welfare, behavior, and humane handling practices.
• Ability to safely handle animals of varying sizes, temperaments, and conditions.
• Prior animal shelter, kennel, veterinary, or related animal care experience preferred.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, visitors, and members of the public in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer service, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, manage time effectively, follow up on assignments, and complete work with attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, respond with urgency, and maintain quality and accuracy under time-sensitive conditions.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and maintain positive working relationships.
• Ability to identify problems, use sound judgment, and assist with practical solutions within assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to take directions, follow instructions accurately, and accept constructive feedback.