Dog Kennel Attendant (Daytime)

About us

Animal Welfare Friends is a growing animal shelter & rescue out of Monticello, IA.

Our environment is all inclusive, fast-paced, and engaging.

Animal Welfare Friend's main priority is creating an inviting atmosphere for all.

Position Summary

The Kennel Attendant plays a critical role in the daily care, health, and well-being of

animals at Animal Welfare Friends Shelter. This position is responsible for maintaining a

clean, safe, and enriching environment for dogs and other shelter animals while strictly

following medical, safety, and behavioral protocols. The ideal candidate is dependable,

detail-oriented, compassionate, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced animal care

setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Animal Care & Handling

• Transport animals to/from veterinary clinic in a safe manner, ensuring animals are crated or tethered appropriately.
• Complete medication sheets, ensuring dosage and duration are accurate.
• Ensure dogs are moved throughout the facility using appropriate methods – slip
• leads, carrying or by groups (puppies).
• Dogs, especially difficult or reactive ones, should not be pulled by the collar or allowed to roam freely.
• Clean and sanitize kennels, runs, and animal housing areas according to guidelines provided by management. Areas should be thoroughly cleaned during each shift (morning and evening deep cleans).
• Feed animals the correct food and portion sizes according to individual feeding instructions.
• Administer medications as directed and follow all medical and treatment protocols precisely. Sign off on medication sheets as appropriate.
• Monitor animals daily for changes in appearance, appetite, behavior, or overall health.
• Immediately report and document any illness, injury, behavioral concerns, bites, or incidents to supervisory staff.
• Properly handle sick or injured animals using approved safety and hygiene procedures.
• Safely separate dogs in the event of a fight or escalation, following shelter training and protocols.
• Ensure dogs are placed in appropriate playgroups and kept separate when required due to behavior, medical needs, or safety concerns.

Enrichment & Welfare

• Provide regular enrichment activities to promote mental stimulation and emotional well-being.
• Ensure dogs receive appropriate exercise, outdoor time, and social interaction as directed.
• Maintain a calm, positive environment to reduce stress for animals.

Facility & Support Duties

• Perform laundry duties, including washing, drying, and organizing bedding and towels.
• Clean and sanitize food and water bowls, dishes, and preparation areas.
• Notify staff promptly when cleaning, food, medical, or enrichment supplies are running low.
• Maintain overall cleanliness and organization of animal care areas. Ensure run areas are free of debris, toys, and high value treats.
• Appropriately sanitize concrete areas with rescue.

Professional Conduct & Communication

• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with staff and volunteers.
• Follow all shelter policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Remain focused on job duties—personal phone use during shifts is not permitted.
• Arrive on time, work efficiently and thoroughly, and complete shifts as scheduled.
• Accurately complete required documentation and logs.

Qualifications & Skills

• Genuine compassion for animals and commitment to animal welfare.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions, medical protocols, and safety procedures.
• Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and health conditions.
• Ability to remain calm and act quickly in stressful or emergency situations.
• Strong observation skills and attention to detail.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform repetitive tasks throughout a shift.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced shelter environment with exposure to noise, cleaning chemicals, and animals.
• Bending, lifting, and working outdoors
• May involve handling animals that are stressed, ill, or behaviorally challenging

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $11.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12