Pet Care and Enrichment Associate

Lynchburghumanesociety; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lynchburg Humane Society is seeking a Pet Care and Enrichment Associate responsible for the health, safety, cleanliness, enrichment, and welfare of pets in our care. This role supports kennel operations, enrichment activities, and compliance with state veterinary regulations; candidates must be able to lift 50+ lbs, work weekends, and collaborate with the medical and behavior teams.

If you love animals and can maintain a sanitary and compassionate environment, join our team.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift 50+ lbs.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and adapt quickly.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Handle dogs, cats and other small animals with care.
• Ensure proper feeding and access to water.
• Maintain cleanliness of living quarters and sanitation of kennels/cages.
• Provide enrichment activities and walks per behavior team directions.
• Follow state regulations and shelter SOPs; monitor for illness and report to medical team.

Skills

Animal handling

Teamwork

Stress management

Communication

Job description

Pet Care and Enrichment Associate

Working Relationships

Reports to the Pet Care Manager and works closely with the Behavior Manager, Community Resource Counselors, Medical Department, and the Pathway & Logistics Coordinator.

Job Summary

The Pet Care and Enrichement Associate is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, cleanliness, enrichment, and overall well-being of pets in our care. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a sanitary, enriching, and compassionate environment for all shelter residents in accordance with LHS protocols and state veterinary regulations.

Responsibilities

Kennel Attendant

• Must be able to handle and work with both dogs and cats and sometimes small animals, including but not limited to: birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits.
• Ensure all pets receive the correct portion/type of food at each feeding.
• Ensure all pets have access to full, clean water bowls throughout the day.
• Maintain cleanliness in all animal living quarters throughout the day; all areas are free of fecal matter and other various messes. Ensure all kennels, cages, and other living quarters are sanitized and cleaned daily.
• Properly use chemicals necessary to maintain a clean, healthy, and sanitary environment.

Enrichment

• Enriching the lives of the pets by taking them on walks, training, giving treats, toys, etc.
• Providing additional forms of enrichment to the pets in care at the direction of our behavior team.
• Handle all pets with compassion and love.
• Walk and handle dogs of various sizes, ages, and behavioral categories.

Compliance

• Be knowledgeable and follow state regulations, as well as LHS procedures, policies, and protocols.
• All kennels, cages, and other housing areas are cleaned in accordance with LHS SOPs and VA State Vet Laws.
• Monitor pets for any signs of injury or illness and report any to a member of the medical team immediately.
• Ensure that Isolation protocols are met in the event of a disease outbreak.
• Successfully prevent the spread of disease/illness by following LHS disease control protocols, taking proper precautions, and using proper equipment.
• Knowledge of basic communicable diseases and how they are transmitted, as well as knowledge of all cleaning procedures and protocols.

Side Duties/other cleaning

• Ensure all assigned side duties are completed on a daily basis.
• Collect trash and take to dumpsters.
• Clean crates and carriers, and help maintain a clean loading dock.
• Stock supplies when deliveries arrive.
• Maintain a regular laundry rotation and an organized and sanitary laundry room.
• Sterilize and clean dishes.

Other

• Provide baths for pets when needed.
• Successfully collect fecal samples when needed.
• Maintaining equipment used to complete job assignments and keeping such equipment and tools in good working condition. Keeping equipment and tools stored in designated areas.
• Work alongside co-workers and the Pathways Planning Coordinator to hit goal benchmarks and move pets through their selected pathways.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Emotional/Mental Requirements

• Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
• Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to make decisions.

Animal Handling

• Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior).
• Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals. The use of safety equipment is mandatory.
• Must possess excellent reflexes.
• Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help.
• Become “Fear Free Certified”.

Qualifications

• Ability to handle all types of animals.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs.
• Ability to work efficiently with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain composure and excel in a fast-paced environment while remaining organized, effective, and efficient.
• Ability to communicate with coworkers and the public respectfully, even under pressure.
• Willingness and ability to work weekends and holidays as needed to care for the pets and meet the needs of the organization.