Shelter Animal Care Specialist

PAWS Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

PAWS Chicago is seeking an Associate, Animal Care to support direct care for all internal animals. You will handle daily feeding, cleaning of dog and cat areas, laundry, and dishwashing, ensuring a clean and welcoming shelter environment.

Occasional dog walking may be required when volunteers are unavailable. You will work closely with volunteers and staff, monitor medical/behavior observation logs, and help maintain cleanliness in common areas, kennels, and adoption center spaces.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work one weekend day and holidays.
• Willingness to work collaboratively with team members and volunteers to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for shelter animals.
• Must notify supervisor 2 hours in advance if unable to work scheduled hours.

Responsibilities

• Complete daily cleaning tasks as assigned, completing checklist items and cleanliness best practices.
• Maintain the appearance of animal housing areas, including bedding and stocking of supplies.
• Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and alert managers when restocking is needed.
• Coordinate with manager or PAWS Chicago staff on observed changes or issues related to animal health or behavior.
• Communicate maintenance or cleanliness concerns to manager or facilities staff.
• Clean common areas at the Lincoln Park Adoption Center, including vacuuming, mopping, trash removal, laundry and dishes.
• Notate animal walks/visits and daily observations in PACE.
• Fulfill any other duties as assigned by your manager.

Job description

PAWS Chicago is seeking an Associate, Animal Care to support direct care for all internal animals. You will handle daily feeding, cleaning of dog and cat areas, laundry, and dishwashing, ensuring a clean and welcoming shelter environment.

Occasional dog walking may be required when volunteers are unavailable. You will work closely with volunteers and staff, monitor medical/behavior observation logs, and help maintain cleanliness in common areas, kennels, and adoption center spaces.