Animal Caretaker I

Iowa State University•Eugene, IA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Animal Caretaker I in the Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service (ECC) is responsible for ensuring the proper handling, feeding, and care of animals, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of animal facilities in compliance with federal, state, and university regulations. This role supports animal health and welfare while assisting veterinary technicians and clinical staff in daily operations. The Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service provides around the clock care for patients experiencing illness, injury, trauma, and post-surgical recovery. Working in a fast-paced veterinary teaching hospital, the Animal Caretaker I collaborates with veterinarians, residents, interns, veterinary technicians, and support staff to help ensure exceptional patient care and animal welfare.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and follow instructions.
Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with small animals.
Experience handling and/or restraining dogs and cats.
Experience cleaning and/or disinfecting animal care areas, equipment, or housing spaces.
Experience administering medications and/or assisting with animal treatments.
Experience monitoring animal health and/or reporting changes in condition to veterinary or animal care staff.

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for hospitalized small animal patients, including feeding, watering, bathing, and maintaining clean, comfortable living spaces.
Clean and disinfect kennels, isolation areas, equipment, and treatment spaces while following established biosecurity and infection control protocols.
Safely handle and restrain animals of varying sizes and temperaments to support veterinary treatments, diagnostics, and patient care activities.
Monitor patients and communicate changes in behavior, appetite, mobility, or overall condition to veterinary technicians and clinical staff.
Transport patients throughout the hospital while maintaining safety and animal welfare standards.
Support the care of animals recovering from illness, injury, trauma, and surgery in a fast-paced Emergency and Critical Care environment.
Collaborate with veterinarians, residents, interns, veterinary technicians, and support staff to provide high-quality patient care.
Help maintain a clean, safe, and organized hospital environment and assist with routine facility upkeep.