Description
Are you searching for a position where you can make a difference in the lives of shelter animals? Does the thought of providing care, comfort, and enrichment for animals warm your heart? Then our Animal Care Team Member position might be the perfect role for you!
As an Animal Care Team Member, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our shelter pets are free from stress, fear, and anxiety, while providing a safe and clean environment for them. This position isn't for everyone. It can be loud, smelly, and sometimes stressful. But if making a significant difference in the lives of shelter pets and their future loving families is something you're passionate about, this might be the most fulfilling job you've ever had!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ANIMAL CARE TEAM MEMBER
To get a better idea of the morning Animal Care routine, please watch this video!
The Animal Care team focuses on cleaning, feeding, and providing enrichment for all shelter pets on their way to finding their loving homes. Mornings begin with routine wellness checks and participation in playgroups for dogs and group socialization sessions for cats to ensure all animals receive critical socialization and exercise. Throughout the day, you'll transport animals for medical procedures, monitor their health and behavior, and provide the compassionate care that helps them become adoption-ready.
Schedule:
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Enthusiasm for the mission of Patty Baker Humane Society Naples and commitment to animal welfare
- This role requires dedication, compassion, and a strong work ethic.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs regularly
- Comfortable interacting with and handling both dogs and cats of varying temperaments
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Reliable transportation
- Reliable attendance with mínimal unscheduled absences
Preferred:
- 3-6 months of related experience in animal care (shelter, veterinary clinic, kennel, or rescue)
- Knowledge of dog and cat behavior and body language
- Experience with dog playgroups or cat group socialization
- Previous volunteer experience in animal welfare
What We Offer:
- Pay starts at $17/hr. Paid weekly.
- Paid time off and Holiday Pay
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Retirement plan available, matching funds after 1 year
- Significant discounts on veterinary services
- Employee pet adoption benefits
Application Instructions:
- No phone calls or walk-ins please
MORE DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Daily Animal Husbandry
- Provide daily care for approximately 120 animals (dogs, cats, and occasionally other small animals) including feeding, watering, and ensuring appropriate bedding and enrichment
- Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, cat condos, runs, communal cat rooms, and yards multiple times daily to maintain safe and sanitary conditions
Behavioral Enrichment & Socialization
- Facilitate and actively participate in daily playgroups for dogs
- Facilitate group socialization sessions and manage communal cat rooms
- Provide individualized enrichment activities based on each animal's species-specific needs (puzzle feeders, toys, scratching posts, climbing opportunities, etc.)
Medical Support
- Conduct daily wellness checks and monitor animals for signs of illness or injury
- Administer medications as directed by the veterinary team
- Collect urine and fecal samples as needed
Customer Service
- Provide excellent customer service to visitors and potential adopters
- Represent PBHSN professionally and positively at all times