Animal Care Assistant

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is seeking compassionate, dependable Animal Care Assistants to join our team in a temporary part-time role through November 2026. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the health, comfort, and wellbeing of animals awaiting adoption and directly supports the ARL's mission of promoting animal welfare and creating positive outcomes for pets in need.

This position requires availability from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at least two to three weekdays per week, along with open weekend availability. This is currently a temporary position expected to continue through November 2026; however, opportunities for continued employment may be available based on organizational needs and individual performance.

As an Animal Care Assistant, you will provide daily care for shelter animals while helping maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This is a hands-on position that combines animal care, facility sanitation, observation, and teamwork.

Success in this role requires someone who is comfortable working in a fast-paced shelter environment, can prioritize tasks efficiently, and understands that providing exceptional animal care includes both direct interaction with animals and maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office programs, are required.
• Must be able to safely lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working directly with animals of varying sizes, breeds, temperaments, and medical conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with animals is strongly preferred.
• Experience in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, kennels, pet care facilities, animal boarding facilities, farms, or similar environments is highly desirable.
• Previous customer service experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for dogs, cats, and other shelter animals, including feeding, watering, exercising, walking, and enrichment activities designed to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
• Maintain clean and sanitary animal living spaces through daily cleaning, disinfecting, laundry, and dishwashing responsibilities.
• Observe animals closely for signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavioral changes and communicate concerns promptly to veterinary, behavior, or supervisory staff.
• Accurately document information and maintain records within Shelter Buddy and other organizational systems.
• Support positive interactions with adopters, volunteers, and visitors by providing friendly, professional assistance and sharing information about the ARL's mission and animal care practices.
• Assist with general facility cleaning and help support volunteers as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED