Kennel Attendant

Alphastaff 3, Inc.; Palm City (FL); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

AlphaStaff, Inc. in Palm City, FL is seeking a Kennel Attendant to join a nonprofit shelter caring for animals. You will maintain health and welfare of shelter animals, keep kennels and related areas clean, and assist with intake and transport.

This role requires hands-on animal handling, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. A valid driver's license is required; a high school diploma and prior animal experience are a plus.

Qualifications

• Skill in humane animal handling and restraint, with the ability to interpret animal body language.
• Knowledge of safe work habits and routine sanitation methods.
• Ability to safely handle cleaning chemicals, agents, and equipment.
• Ability to identify suspected signs of illness and common animal breeds/behaviors.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, exam rooms, and runs; launder and replace soiled bedding.
• Provide animals with proper food, clean water, bedding, enrichment, and a sanitary environment daily.
• Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavior changes and report/document findings to appropriate personnel.
• Continually inspect holding areas and spot clean cages and runs throughout the day.
• Assist with inventory, restocking supplies, running errands, and transporting animals as needed.
• Clean and sanitize vehicles and equipment used for animal transport.
• Bathe, groom, and walk animals as needed.
• Assist in receiving and admitting animals upon intake, ensuring proper identification on each kennel.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-house trainings, and educational sessions as requested.

Skills

Humane animal handling

Animal observation

Safety & sanitation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience with animals

Maintenance basics

Job description

A client of AlphaStaffHCM™ is looking for a Kennel Attendant in Palm City, Florida. The employer is a non-profit organization with the mission to provide compassionate care and to nurture the bond between people and pets. The Kennel Attendant plays a key role in maintaining the health, welfare, and daily care of shelter animals. This position requires hands‑on animal handling skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast‑paced shelter environment.

Day to day:

The Kennel Attendant performs all necessary work to maintain the health and welfare of shelter animals, keeping exam rooms, kennels, and related areas clean and sanitary at all times.

• Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, exam rooms, and runs; launder and replace soiled bedding.
• Provide animals with proper food, clean water, bedding, enrichment, and a sanitary environment daily.
• Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavior changes and report/document findings to appropriate personnel.
• Continually inspect holding areas and spot clean cages and runs throughout the day.
• Assist with inventory, restocking supplies, running errands, and transporting animals as needed.
• Clean and sanitize vehicles and equipment used for animal transport.
• Bathe, groom, and walk animals as needed.
• Assist in receiving and admitting animals upon intake, ensuring proper identification on each kennel.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-house trainings, and educational sessions as requested.

Must have's:

• Skill in humane animal handling and restraint, with the ability to interpret animal body language.
• Knowledge of safe work habits and routine sanitation methods.
• Ability to safely handle cleaning chemicals, agents, and equipment.
• Ability to identify suspected signs of illness and common animal breeds/behaviors.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively.
• Valid driver's license.

Plusses:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience handling animals.
• Ability to perform basic routine building maintenance and repairs.

Physical Requirements:

• Substantial lifting and carrying; frequent stooping, bending, and overhead lifting.
• Ability to perform duties associated with heavy cleaning.
• Ability to control personal allergic reactions to animals.

Working Conditions:

Exposure to high noise levels, odors, animal bites/scratches, zoonotic diseases, cleaning agents, insect/parasite control chemicals, slippery floors, dust, animal dander, injured animals, euthanasia, and emotional extremes from staff and customers.

Disclaimers: AlphaStaff, Inc. and the Client are equal employment opportunity employers and do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, past or present military service, disability, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.