Dog Care Technician

The Good Shepherd Humane Society, Inc.; Eureka Springs (AR); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Good Shepherd Humane Society, Inc. in Eureka Springs, AR is hiring a Canine Animal Care Technician to provide daily care for shelter dogs, support clean and humane environments, and assist with safe handling and enrichment activities.

You will follow shelter SOPs and disease control protocols while delivering professional service to adopters and visitors. Responsibilities include feeding and watering, walking, monitoring health, reporting changes, and maintaining kennels and records in

Qualifications

• Ability to safely handle dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Professional communication with coworkers and the public in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Ability to follow written protocols, schedules, and safety procedures.
• Basic computer literacy and willingness to learn shelter software and documentation processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for shelter dogs, including feeding, watering, walking, monitoring and general husbandry.
• Observe and report changes in health, behavior, appetite, or condition to management.
• Provide enrichment, exercise and socialization opportunities for resident dogs per shelter guidelines.
• Safely walk and handle dogs using approved equipment and techniques.
• Assist with basic animal care procedures under established protocols and supervision.

Skills

Dog handling

Communication skills

Following protocols

Basic computer skills

Customer service

Tools

Shelter software

Job description

Position Summary

The Canine Animal Care Technician is responsible for providing daily care for dogs in the shelter, supporting a clean and humane environment, and assisting with safe animal handling and enrichment activities. This role performs routine cleaning and animal care tasks in accordance with shelter SOPs and disease control protocols and supports a positive experience for adopters and visitors through professional communication and customer service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Animal Care & Welfare

• Provide daily care for shelter dogs, including feeding, watering, walking, monitoring, and general husbandry.
• Observe and report changes in health, behavior, appetite, or condition to management.
• Provide enrichment, exercise, and socialization opportunities for resident dogs in accordance with shelter guidelines.
• Safely walk and handle dogs of varying sizes, breeds, and temperaments using approved equipment and techniques.
• Assist with basic animal care procedures as assigned, which may include vaccinating, microchipping, and administering routine care under established protocols and supervision.

Cleaning, Sanitation & Disease Control

• Clean dog kennels, runs, outdoor areas, and surrounding workspaces according to shelter sanitation schedules and disease control requirements.
• Use disinfectants and cleaning products safely and as directed, following all safety protocols and PPE requirements.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe dog housing and exercise areas to support animal health and staff safety.

Customer Service & Shelter Support

• Provide courteous, accurate information to the public in person and by phone regarding adoptions, lost and found, and general shelter procedures, within the scope of the position.
• Support adoption center operations by assisting staff with animal movement, kennel setup, and other tasks as assigned.

Records & Documentation

• Enter and update animal care notes and records in shelter management software and maintain required documentation as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Ability to safely and confidently handle dogs of varying sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with coworkers and members of the public in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Ability to follow written protocols, schedules, and safety procedures, including disease control and bite prevention requirements.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn shelter software and documentation processes.

Preferred

• Previous experience in animal care, veterinary assisting, animal welfare, or shelter/rescue work.
• Familiarity with dog handling techniques, enrichment practices, and basic behavior observation.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally move items or animals exceeding 50 pounds with assistance.
• Regular exposure to animals, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, noise, and emotionally challenging situations.
• Work may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions during dog walking and kennel maintenance.

Work Schedule & Classification

• Full-time, in-person position
• Non-exempt (hourly)

Good Shepherd Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.