Animal Welfare Associate

The Animal Foundation•Las Vegas, NV

About The Position

The Animal Welfare Associate is responsible for the general care and welfare of shelter animals in accordance with the Association of Shelter Veterinarian Standards of Care guidelines. The role includes feeding, watering, cleaning, moving, and providing enrichment and socialization, as well as observing and reporting animals’ physical and mental well-being. The associate ensures animals receive timely, appropriate care, including proper feeding, cleanliness and sanitation, behavioral support, and stress reduction. The position also helps maintain clean, organized animal housing and shared areas, supports volunteers and guests, and contributes to the organization’s service and continuous-improvement culture. Work involves regular exposure to animals, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, noise, potentially hazardous conditions, and outdoor weather. The role requires frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds, along with physical activity such as standing, walking, reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling.

Requirements

Education equivalent to a high school diploma.
General knowledge of companion animal care, welfare, behavior, breeds, and species.
Knowledge of guest-service principles and practices.
Interpersonal skills for dealing with team members, volunteers, and the public in person, in writing, and by telephone.
Correct conversational English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
General computer skills.
Demonstrated concern for the welfare of people and animals and respectful treatment of both.
Interpersonal sensitivity and cultural competency or awareness when working with diverse populations and providing non-judgmental, compassionate guest services.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with team members, volunteers, and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work efficiently without close supervision in standard work situations.
Ability to follow established guidelines, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Ability to contribute effectively to team or work-unit goals, objectives, and activities.
Ability to gather, compile, and maintain accurate information and records, and prepare accurate reports and summaries.
Basic mathematics skills, including counting and totaling numbers.
Physical ability, stamina, and mobility to stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, and crawl, sometimes for extended periods.
Ability to lift or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally.
Vision sufficient to read printed materials.

Responsibilities

Support a culture of health and overall wellness for animals across the organization.
Document observed medical or behavioral abnormalities in the organization’s animal database.
Prepare and provide appropriate food and water to assigned animals at the required times.
Clean and disinfect kennels and animal housing areas according to organizational protocols and procedures.
Assist with administering or distributing oral behavior medications under the guidance of the Shelter Veterinary Team.
Set up kennels appropriately to maximize animal comfort and minimize stress.
Review kennel and facility signage for protocol compliance and report when updates are needed.
Clean, disinfect, and store supplies and equipment properly and promptly.
Keep assigned and common areas and vehicles clean, organized, orderly, and stocked with needed supplies and equipment.
Sort, move, and stock food, supplies, materials, and donations as needed.
Move animals within and through the shelter, and assist with animal transportation or general care offsite, including at events, when necessary.
Help achieve high participation in animal enrichment activities.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date animal inventory.
Create a welcoming atmosphere for volunteers, participate in volunteer training, and provide volunteers with support and resources.
Offer suggestions and participate as an active member of a work team to improve service efficiency and effectiveness.
Provide responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to guests.
Perform other duties as assigned.