Shelter Attendant

Ellen M. Gifford Cat Shelter; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 27,552; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit animal shelter in Boston is seeking compassionate individuals for both full and part-time positions. Responsibilities include caring for homeless cats, monitoring their health, and facilitating adoptions. Candidates should have a passion for cats and the ability to lift up to 40 lbs. The role is entry-level, with a salary of $20 per hour, and requires flexible availability including weekends. Join a dedicated team making a difference in the lives of cats seeking forever homes.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift, move, or carry cats or objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to use strong chemicals for disinfecting items and spaces.

Responsibilities

• Perform cat care duties including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring health.
• Screen adoption applicants and match cats to potential owners.
• Maintain accurate records of animals, applications, and statuses.

Skills

Passion for cats

Ability to care for healthy and sick cats

Strong judgment for successful matches

Organization and attention to detail

Job description

Are you a cat lover who’s interested in a full or part-time position caring for homeless cats?

Gifford Cat Shelter – the first free‑roam, no‑kill shelter in the country – seeks staff who thrive on giving animals within their care the best possible care shelter resources permit, who will show compassion and understanding to every animal and person who comes their way, and who will perform tasks in an effective and efficient manner.

The mission of Gifford Cat Shelter is to provide a haven for stray, abused, and unwanted cats until they are matched with their permanent loving homes. At Gifford, cats are free to roam and play. They nap in sunny windows, get plenty of exercise, and enjoy tons of love and attention while they wait for their forever homes. A no‑kill shelter, Gifford believes that all cats should have a chance to live their lives free of pain and fear. No matter their story, every Gifford cat has a future to look forward to. And until they find their new homes, they’ll spend their days in bright, open environments, getting all the love they need!

Major Responsibilities

• Perform cat care duties such as preparing food, feeding and providing water, cleaning and disinfecting cat areas, washing litter boxes, tools, and dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, and washing debris from walls, beds, and any other areas.
• Monitor healthy, sick, quarantined, and injured cats for unusual physical and behavioral conditions. Communicate concerns to the shelter manager and act upon feedback.
• Medicate or assist in the medication of cats, as directed by the shelter’s veterinarian or shelter manager.
• Interface politely with people visiting the shelter.
• Responsible for screening adoption applicants, matching cats to potential owners, and introducing cats to the public, while providing information regarding pet-owner responsibilities, spaying, neutering, vaccinations, and adoptions, and collecting donations and adoption fees.
• Receive cats to be admitted for shelter care and properly identify and release animals to their owners, as directed by the shelter manager.
• Complete various records and forms such as medical sheets, logs of controlled medication dispensed, task lists.
• Restock supplies through the building, noting low inventory to management.
• Work alongside and guide volunteer activities, providing tips and knowledge, as necessary.
• Adoption Facilitation: Greet visitors, answer questions, match pets to families, conduct interviews, review applications, process fees, and complete paperwork.
• Animal Care Support: Observe animals, assist with basic care (feeding, cleaning), note behavioral issues, and coordinate with vet staff.
• Counseling & Education: Inform adopters about pet care, behavior, costs, and the responsibilities of ownership. Provide support and resources for keeping pets in their homes.
• Outreach & Marketing: Participate in adoption events, create social media content, and promote adoption programs.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of animals, applications, and adoption statuses.
• Post‑Adoption Support: Conduct follow‑up calls and help resolve issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must have a passion for cats!
• Ability to care for healthy and sick cats.
• Must be able to lift, move, or carry cats or objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to use strong chemicals for disinfecting items and spaces throughout the shelter.
• Seeking full and part‑time attendants; at least one weekend shift per week.
• Salary: $20 per hour.
• Ability to make sound judgments for successful matches.
• Organization and attention to detail for paperwork and records.
• Gifford Cat Shelter is staffed 365 days a year; ability to work some mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays preferred.

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full‑time