As an Animal Care Associate, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our shelter pets are free from stress, fear, and anxiety, while providing a safe and clean environment for them. This position isn't for everyone. It can be loud, smelly, and sometimes stressful. But if making a significant difference in the lives of shelter pets and their future loving families is something you're passionate about, this might be the most fulfilling job you've ever had!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ANIMAL CARE ASSOCIATE

To get a better idea of the morning Animal Care routine, please watch this video!

The Animal Care team focuses on cleaning, feeding, and providing enrichment for all shelter pets on their way to finding their loving homes. Mornings begin with routine wellness checks and participation in playgroups for dogs and group socialization sessions for cats to ensure all animals receive critical socialization and exercise. Throughout the day, you'll transport animals for medical procedures, monitor their health and behavior, and provide the compassionate care that helps them become adoption-ready.

Afternoons are spent spot-cleaning, adding enrichment activities, providing additional socialization time in communal cat rooms and with individual dogs and cats, and assisting other shelter areas depending on daily needs. An ideal candidate for this position loves to flex between team projects and independent work, thrives in a hands-on learning environment, and has a passion for helping people and pets.

Schedule:

Five days per week, 8am - 5pm OR 7am - 4pm. Candidates must be willing to work both shift types, weekends and holidays. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Enthusiasm for the mission of Patty Baker Humane Society Naples and commitment to animal welfare
• This role requires dedication, compassion, and a strong work ethic.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly
• Comfortable interacting with and handling both dogs and cats of varying temperaments
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Reliable transportation
• Reliable attendance with minimal unscheduled absences
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. We are an equal opportunity employer. 

Preferred:

• 3-6 months of related experience in animal care (shelter, veterinary clinic, kennel, or rescue)
• Knowledge of dog and cat behavior and body language
• Experience with dog playgroups or cat group socialization
• Previous volunteer experience in animal welfare

What We Offer:

• Pay starts at $17/hr. Paid weekly. 
• Paid time off and Holiday Pay
• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Retirement plan available, matching funds after 1 year
• Significant discounts on veterinary services
• Employee pet adoption benefits

Application Instructions:

• Apply online at https://pbhsnaples.org/careers
• All communication with candidates will be over email and/or text - check your spam folder! 
• If you have technical issues or questions, please email hr@pbhsnaples.org
• No phone calls or walk-ins please 

MORE DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Daily Animal Husbandry

• Provide daily care for approximately 120 animals (dogs, cats, and occasionally other small animals) including feeding, watering, and ensuring appropriate bedding and enrichment
• Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, cat condos, runs, communal cat rooms, and yards multiple times daily to maintain safe and sanitary conditions

Behavioral Enrichment & Socialization

• Facilitate and actively participate in daily playgroups for dogs
• Facilitate group socialization sessions and manage communal cat rooms
• Provide individualized enrichment activities based on each animal's species-specific needs (puzzle feeders, toys, scratching posts, climbing opportunities, etc.)

Medical Support

•  Conduct daily wellness checks and monitor animals for signs of illness or injury
• Administer medications as directed by the veterinary team
•  Collect urine and fecal samples as needed

Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service to visitors and potential adopters
•  Represent PBHSN professionally and positively at all times