Pet Care and Enrichment Associate

Job Title: 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

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.