Dog Care Specialist

Cincinnati Animal CARE; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan with employer match

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Cincinnati Animal CARE is seeking a Dog Care Specialist who will support our mission to care for animals and engage with the community. In this role, you will take care of dogs in the shelter, ensuring they receive attention and love while being introduced to potential adopters.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, experience in animal care, and strong communication skills. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their future families.

We offer competitive pay starting at $15.00/hour, health benefits, and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• 1 year of professional animal care experience preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues.
• Ability to understand and adhere to policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Introduce dogs to potential adopters and provide care in the shelter.
• Clean and disinfect dog cages and areas.
• Assist with routine medical procedures such as vaccinations.

Skills

Animal care

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Judgment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Dog Care Specialist

Reports to the Dog Care Manager

Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal CARE

At Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), we do work that matters.

Every day, our team protects animals, supports our community, and helps save thousands of lives each year through compassionate care, advocacy, and education.

This work is meaningful, fast-paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding.

We are a team built for impact, made up of people who care deeply, work hard, support one another, and show up every day committed to making a difference.

If you are passionate about animals, thrive in a mission-driven environment, and want your work to have purpose, we’d love to have you join us.

About the Role

We are looking for a Dog Care Specialist to join our team and play an important role in supporting CAC’s mission.

In this position, you will:

• Introduce dogs to potential adopters and fosters and provide compassionate care to the dogs in our shelter.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Your day-to-day may include:

• Clean and disinfect dog cages and kennels and other areas of animal use
• Feed and provide water for dogs in care
• Maintain general cleanliness of the dogs living spaces
• Speak with potential adopters and fosters and introduce them to our dogs
• Perform Meet & Greets with shelter dogs and the dogs of potential adopters and fosters
• Work with the Behavior and Training Department to implement daily enrichment activities
• Assist with routine medical procedures such as intake vaccinations
• Assist in maintaining dog records
• Assist in the maintenance of equipment, building, grounds and supplies
• May train new employees
• May assist with transport rescue or partner clinics as needed
• Perform any other animal care and shelter duties as directed
• Be aware of and report medical and behavior issues
• Be aware of and report safety concerns
• Demonstrate compassionate care of animals at all times
• Contribute to an exceptional experience for adopters, fosters, volunteers and donors
• Respect the time and effort of coworkers by being on-time for work and performing at a high level throughout the duration of each shift

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about CAC’s mission and animal welfare
• Brings a positive, team-first attitude
• Communicates openly and professionally
• Takes ownership and solves problems proactively
• Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Can balance compassion with accountability
• Is dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn

Qualifications

Preferred/Required:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of professional animal care experience preferred
• Understand basic animal behavior
• Knowledge of caring for and feeding animals
• Ability to understand and adhere to policies and procedures
• Possess strong oral and listening skills
• Ability to handle sensitive issues
• Ability to work under general supervision
• Ability to exercise judgment, tact and diplomacy
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Positions within this classification may require a valid Ohio driver’s license
• Reliability
• Sense of urgency
• Attention to detail
• Strong work-ethic
• Positive and strong communication skills
• Cooperative and collaborative
• Strong customer service skills
• Supporting additional organizational needs as they arise

Why Join CAC?

At CAC, you’ll be part of more than just a workplace. You’ll join a team of people doing meaningful work together.

We offer:

• The opportunity to make a real difference every day
• A mission-driven, supportive team culture
• Growth and development opportunities
• Competitive benefits package
• A workplace where your work directly impacts animals and the community

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: From $15.00/hour
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development Assistance
• Life Insurance

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
• Exposure and handling unvetted animals and their waste is frequent.