Animal Care Specialist (Part-Time)
About The Position
The Animal Care Specialist cleans and maintains animal housing and animal care areas, and assists with feeding, care, and enrichment of shelter animals. The role admits owner-surrendered animals, processes redemptions of impounded animals, and conducts adoptions. It also assists the veterinarian with medical procedures, including euthanasia. The position has no supervisory or budgetary responsibilities. Work includes monitoring animal health and behavior, administering preventive medications, maintaining animal records, supporting shelter programs and community events, and performing reception-related duties as assigned. The position works primarily indoors in a controlled shelter environment, but involves physical work, exposure to animal-related odors and noise, and changing environmental conditions. Schedules may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call duty during emergencies.
Requirements
- Knowledge of animal-related diseases, animal breeds, and animal behaviors.
- Skill in feeding, caring for, and handling various species of animals.
- Skill in assisting with veterinary procedures, including vaccinations, blood draws, and euthanasia.
- Knowledge of cleaning and disinfection practices and operation of cleaning equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, community groups, and the public, including occasionally irate citizens.
- Skill in data entry and basic computer applications.
- Valid driver's license.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to obtain Missouri Animal Control Association (MACA) Humane Investigator Certification within 18 months of employment.
- Must pass a drug screening and criminal background check before employment.
Responsibilities
- Clean, disinfect, and maintain animal housing, animal care rooms, and other areas where animal care and handling occur.
- Admit owner-surrendered animals, conduct relinquishment interviews and animal assessments, process redemptions, and conduct adoption interviews and counseling.
- Track animal inventory and monitor animals for medical or behavioral concerns.
- Administer preventive vaccinations and antiparasitic medications upon intake and perform wellness assessments on incoming animals.
- Draw blood from dogs and cats to test for diseases such as heartworm and feline leukemia.
- Assist the veterinarian with medical exams, record keeping, euthanasia, surgery, and other procedures.
- Prepare rabies specimens for the State Laboratory.
- Maintain accurate animal intake and outcome records, including adoption, redemption, transfer, or euthanasia.
- Reconcile daily revenue reports.
- Issue legal notices, summons, and other documents as requested by Animal Control Officers.
- Communicate with rescues, satellite adoption facilities, and foster homes regarding animal care.
- Operate the incinerator in accordance with Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations.
- Deliver animals to veterinary appointments and other destinations as needed.
- Assist Senior Animal Care Specialists with assigned programs.
- Participate in outreach and community events, including off-site adoption events and vaccine clinics.
- Provide scheduled daily enrichment for shelter animals and facilitate scheduled playgroups.
- Train and work with on-site volunteers.
- Report supply needs and building maintenance issues to a supervisor.
- Schedule veterinary appointments as needed.
- Relieve office staff during breaks and meals and assist with reception duties as assigned.
- Assist with tours for special visiting groups.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Education Level
High school or GED
