Animal Care Specialist

PET ALLIANCE OF GREATER ORLANDO•Sanford, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

An Animal Care Specialist is an integral part of our shelter operations. This position provides comprehensive care and support for all shelter animals and ensures their well-being. It also entails maintaining a clean and sanitary shelter environment, coordinating the intake and processing of incoming animals and the adoption process. Exceptional customer service is essential in assisting both internal and external customers with inquiries and guidance on pet care.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred
At least 6 months of professional animal handling experience preferred
At least 6 months of work experience in a team environment preferred
At least 6 months of customer service experience preferred
Basic knowledge of animal handling, general pet care principles, and breed identification highly preferred
Previous cash handling experience preferred
Fear Free certification preferred
Euthanasia certification preferred
Knowledge of and ability to perform tasks on a computer using different software programs
Ability to work with animals safely and humanely and to remain calm in stressful situations
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to quickly adapt to customer, animal, and business needs
Ability to collaborate with others and work effectively in a team environment
Strong attention to detail and ability to focus with distractions
Ability to assess animal behaviors and cues
Excellent ability to use good judgement in problem solving and decision making
Ability to take initiative and to work with minimal supervision and direction
Physical demands include extended periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, handling, grasping, and coordination with constant lifting and carrying requirements of up to 50 lbs.
Visual acuity and depth perception is required for safe handling of animals
Work is frequently performed in the small, enclosed spaces such as animal cages
Work includes providing compassionate and dedicated care to others
Work requires the ability to maintain focus and composure while working under pressure, manage stress during difficult situations, and adapt quickly to resolve issues or conflicts

Responsibilities

Provide general care and maintenance of shelter animals including feeding, watering, medicating, bathing and grooming, providing enrichment and exercise opportunities, and monitoring for behavior or medical needs on a regular basis
Clean and disinfect all shelter areas and animal equipment including but not limited to kennels and cages, dishes, linens, and litter
Coordinate adoption process and paperwork by counseling potential adopters on their selection of pets, animal care, and responsibilities
Examine, evaluate and make a determination for adoptability of all incoming animals in the receiving process based on medical and behavioral history by interviewing and counseling individuals releasing their animal
Process incoming animals by collecting animal’s vital signs, administering vaccines and medications, running basic blood testing, microchipping, inputting records, and preparing animal quarters
Deliver excellent customer service with internal and external customers through in-person and phone interactions answering questions and giving recommendations of care
Handle financial transactions of donations and purchases of merchandise or services and reconcile receipts
Use proper animal restraint techniques for the safety and well-being of the animal and the team
Complete all necessary paperwork and data entry, maintaining accurate animal records
Collect, organize, and deliver donations and restock merchandise inventory, as needed
Assist in volunteer training and with other shelter areas, as needed