Part-Time Shelter Attendant

Nash County, NC; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Animal Shelter seeks a kennel attendant to maintain a clean, sanitary shelter and provide compassionate care for all animals. The role includes daily cleaning, observing animals, and assisting with intake, kennel assignment, and paperwork.

The position requires daytime, evening, weekend and holiday shifts, a valid driver’s license, and a high school diploma. You will work closely with volunteers to improve the lives of animals in our care.

Qualifications

• Experience caring for animals in a shelter or similar setting is preferred.
• Ability to work with the public and provide accurate information about animals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain kennel and shelter cleanliness and sanitation throughout the day.
• Observe animals for health, safety and comfort; report concerns promptly.
• Assist in intake and kenneling of new animals, including documentation and photos.
• Provide care and gentle handling of animals; ensure fresh water and bedding.
• Assist visitors looking for lost pets or adoptions and share accurate information.
• Collaborate with volunteers and staff to improve animal welfare.

Skills

Animal care

Team player

Basic computer skills

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Responsibilities

1. Adhere to the cleaning procedures set forth by the Kennel Attendant Coordinator for animal care, kennel maintenance, sanitation, parasite and disease control, and other animal care practices as instructed.
2. Responsible for maintaining the animal housing areas and the shelter as a whole in a clean and sanitary condition. This includes morning cleaning and disinfecting, and ongoing cleaning and maintenance throughout the day. Fresh water must be available and easily accessible to each animal at all times.
3. Maintain a humane and caring attitude at all times towards the animals in their care. Caretakers must be knowledgeable about proper handling and restraint of animals. Teasing, neglect or any instances of animal cruelty will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal.
4. Responsible for careful observation of animals in runs and cages throughout the day, to see that the animals are safe, healthy, and comfortable. Each animal should have access to clean and dry bedding.
5. Responsible for promptly notifying the Kennel Attendant Coordinator or Animal Services Director if any animal shows signs of stress, injury or illness.
6. Responsible for assisting in prompt and proper receiving and kenneling of new animals brought into the animal shelter. These duties include:
   1. Examining the animal for injuries, abnormalities, or signs of illness. Vaccinating each animal with appropriate vaccines, worming, applying flea and tick medications.
   2. Taking intake photos for later use on social media and adoption sites.
   3. Placing the animal in a clean kennel with water, food, and fresh bedding.
   4. Intake paperwork and logging of the animal.
   5. Placing name card on the animal’s kennel.
7. Responsible for assisting citizens in the kennel area looking for a lost pet or seeking to adopt an animal. Our goal is to increase the adoption rate and do all we can to ensure adopted animals are well matched with their new owners. Caretakers are expected to be courteous to the public and give them accurate information about the animals in our care and the Animal Shelter.
8. Must demonstrate a low level of absenteeism and tardiness as a condition of continued employment. We expect all our employees to share our sense of commitment to the animals in our care.
9. Performs other duties as assigned. There is never a time at an animal shelter when all the work is done and the animals have been given enough attention.
10. Works cooperatively with volunteers in partnership to improve the quality of life for the resident animals.
11. Reports any problems or concerns to the Animal Control Supervisor rather than addressing a volunteer directly.
12. Represents Animal Shelter in a professional manner at all times.
    1. Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Animal Shelter. Highly motivated, out-going, polite, and professional manner.
    2. Team player, able to work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task.
    3. Compassion for animals, comfortable working in a shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the workplace.
    4. Knowledge of animal breeds and behaviors.
    5. Basic office and computer skills.
    6. Animal care experience preferred.

Requirements

• Available to work daytime, evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent.