What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Assistant position at Rutland County Humane Society?
Animal Care Assistant
Reports to: Animal Health Manager
Direct Reports: None
Position Summary
The Animal Care Attendant is responsible for the daily care and well-being of all animals within the shelter, ensuring each animal receives proper attention, exercise, and medical monitoring while maintaining clean, safe, and sanitary living environments. This hands-on position requires compassion, attention to detail, and strict adherence to safety and sanitation protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily Animal Care: Provide overall care for all animals within the shelter, including feeding, watering, and monitoring general health and behavior
- Exercise & Enrichment: Walk dogs regularly to keep them safe and healthy, provide socialization opportunities, and engage in enrichment activities to promote physical and mental well-being
- Health Monitoring: Monitor animals for diminished functioning and communicate concerns to veterinary staff, observing and reporting changes in appetite, behavior, or physical condition
- Kennel Cleaning & Sanitation: Clean cages and dog runs following established safety and cleanliness protocols for both cat and dog kennels, ensuring proper sanitation procedures are followed
- Cleaning Protocols: Follow proper cleaning procedures including use of detergent to clean/scrub organic material, application of disinfectant with appropriate contact time, and complete drying of enclosures
- Safety Compliance: Perform spot cleaning when possible and full kennel cleaning and disinfection when required, adhering to all safety protocols to prevent disease transmission
- Animal Handling: Safely handle animals of various sizes and temperaments for cleaning, exercise, medical procedures, and visitor interactions
- Record Keeping: Document daily care activities, behavioral observations, and any health concerns in animal records
- Facility Maintenance: Keep kennel facility running smoothly by maintaining clean common areas, laundry, and storage areas
- Basic Medical Support: Provide basic healthcare support such as administering medications as directed and assisting with treatments under supervision
- Supply Management: Monitor and maintain adequate supplies of food, cleaning materials, and enrichment items, reporting inventory needs
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with appositive attitude
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Previous experience with animal care or in shelter/kennel environment preferred but not required
- Essential Skills:
- Ability to safely handle animals of various sizes and temperaments
- Understanding of animal behavior and stress signals
- Commitment to providing humane handling and care
- Strong attention to detail for following cleaning and safety protocols
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in various weather conditions
- Ability to work in environments with strong odors, loud noises, and potential exposure to animal allergens
- Flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and some evening hours
- Compassionate attitude toward animals and commitment to their welfare
- Reliable attendance and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Willingness to follow all safety protocols and sanitation procedures to prevent disease transmission
Please send resume and cover letter to executivedirector@rchsvt.org.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15 - $16