Shelter Animal Trainer

Joybound People & Pets; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 97,423,872 - 106,020,096; Full time

Job summary

Joybound People & Pets in Walnut Creek, CA is seeking a Shelter Animal Trainer to develop and implement behavior modification plans for priority animals, including under-socialized dogs and cats. You will assess behavior, design adoption-ready plans, support foster volunteers, maintain records across software systems, and help ensure humane handling, safety, and compassionate care for all animals.

This full-time role requires teamwork, strong communication, and a commitment to Joybound’s mission

Qualifications

• Experience using positive reinforcement as primary method of animal behavior modification.
• Shelter training experience with dogs and cats; ability to coach groups and individuals.
• Experience in one-on-one training and behavior modification sessions.
• Develop and write treatment plans for shelter animals; supervise volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Assist in behavior assessment for dogs and cats in the shelter.
• Develop adoption show and in-shelter management plans.
• Maintain records of assessments, status, training and management plans.
• Provide training and mentoring to shelter volunteers and team members.
• Support humane handling and safety; promote welfare for all animals.

Skills

Positive reinforcement training

Behavior assessment

Communication with volunteers

Team collaboration

Observation & record-keeping

Education

BA/AA in Animal Sciences or related

Canine/Cat behavior coursework

CPDT-KA or CBCC-KA preferred

Tools

Collars

Harness

Muzzles

Cages and cages equipment

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Joybound - Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $34.00 - $37.00 Hourly

Job Category: Dog Training

Position Summary

At Joybound, we are committed to improving the adoptability of shelter dogs and cats while enriching their experience during their stay with us. The Shelter Animal Trainer assists in reaching Joybound’s goals by creating and implementing behavior modification plans for priority animals, including those who are under-socialized, exhibit excitable or arousal related behaviors, or show behaviors that do not meet Joybound’s adoption criteria.

Key Responsibilities

• Interact and communicate with colleagues, volunteers, and the public in a manner that advances a culture of positivity, professionalism, trust, transparency, empathy, and excellence at Joybound.
• Assist in behavior assessment for dogs and cats in the shelter
• Assist in the development of:
  • Adoption showing and take-home plans
  • In shelter management plans, such as walk and visiting/handling plans
• Assist with the decision-making process and aid in all aspects of the euthanasia processes.
• Assist in the enrichment program for dogs and cats
• Assist in humane medical handling of dogs and cats when needed
• Ability to work at minimum with 8 shelter guests on a daily basis
• Advise Joybound’s foster volunteers with training and follow-up support.
• Update and maintain computer records regarding the assessment, status, feedback, training and management plan for all shelter guests in various software management systems
• Provide effective training of duties and mentoring to shelter volunteers and team members
• Ability to work with the more difficult to manage dogs and cats with behavioral concerns, including shelter guests that exhibit extreme anxiety, fear and aggressive behaviors.
• Perform cleaning and animal care duties as needed
• Ability and skills to work with and manage dogs and cats to maintain safety
• Always promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.
• Always treat people and animals with respect, contribute to effective teamwork, promote staff cooperation, and foster public relations beneficial to Joybound.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all information.
• Comply with all Federal, State and local safety regulations and laws, as well as Joybound policies and guidelines. Follow established procedures governing safe work practices; and perform duties in a manner that assures the safety of oneself and others.
• Perform duties in a manner which encourages attainment of goals, contributions and business for Joybound and its programs.
• Promote teamwork, communication, and cooperation with all other departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications - REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using positive reinforcement as primary method of animal behavior modification and solid understanding of learning theory.
• Experience in animal training in a shelter setting. Comfort in coaching groups and one-on-one team members and volunteers. Previous experience working with a variety of dogs and cats.
• Experience in conducting one on one training and behavior modification sessions.
• Experience using equipment, such as collars, harness, basket muzzle, catch nets, squeeze cages, rabies poles, etc.,
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. A self-starter, facilitator, and organizer.
• Develop and write treatment plans for shelter animals that can help staff and volunteers keep each interaction consistent and safe.
• Experience working independently, as well as contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet goals and objectives.
• Good analytical skills and ability to identify and assess issues/opportunities.
• Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Ability to communicate with the public, volunteers and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous, and tactful manner.
• Demonstrate maturity, good judgment and professional manner, and personal appearance.
• Comfortable and skilled in working with diverse staff, volunteers, and community.
• Ability to work with, evaluate, coach, and supervise volunteers effectively and respectfully while holding individuals accountable for their results.
• Knowledge of dog and cat breeds, behavior, and current general care and training practices.
• All Joybound employees working on our main campus must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination and booster. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for documented medical purposes and/or sincerely held religious beliefs.

Pre-employment background check screening is required.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma required. BA or AA degree in Animal Sciences, Psychology, or Sociology preferred, but not required.
• Dog Behavior and Training course of study (e.g., Marin Humane Society Canine Behavior Academy, Academy for Dog Trainers, Karen Pryor Academy, Bergin University) in process or completed or comparable dog training/experience. CPDT-KA or CBCC-KA preferred.
• Fear Free Shelter certification or ability to achieve within 90 days of hire

Physical Requirements

• Constant exposure to animals, animal allergens, and cleaning/disinfectant products
• Up to 75% exposure to the outdoor environment including sunlight, wind and rain
• Push, pull, and lift objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain animals when necessary.
• Walk dogs weighing up to 150 pounds in a variety of weather conditions.
• Kneel, bend, stoop, squat, reach above and below shoulder level, grasp and turn objects, stand and/or walk frequently and repetitively throughout each shift.
• Flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist.
• Dexterity to handle animals and small objects.
• Assess medical and behavior changes in animals using a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, visually and auditory.
• Be on your feet for long periods of time.
• Sit for 15-20-minute time intervals throughout the day to use the computer.
• Tetanus and rabies inoculations are required or must be waived.

Hours

• Full-time: 40 hours per week. Daily reporting hours and days of the week may vary according to the department’s needs. One weekend day coverage is required.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

At Joybound, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of or traits historically associated with race; color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.