Are you passionate about paws, purrs, and second chances? Join our team at Anti-Cruelty where every day is a tail-wagging adventure! As an Animal Care Specialist, you’ll be a lifeline for animals in need—providing love, care, and support while helping them find their forever homes. From feeding and cleaning to cuddling and cheering, you’ll play a vital role in transforming lives—both furry and human.

ANTI-CRUELTY JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                          Animal Care Specialist I 

DEPARTMENT:                 Operations 

REPORTS TO:                    Animal Care Managers 

STATUS:                             Non-Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of Animal Care Managers, the Animal Care Specialist I is responsible for maintaining best care through healthy, sanitary, safe and comfortable conditions for animals in the shelter in accordance with best practices and protocols. Best care standards also include basic behavior and enrichment support to reduce stress, fear, and anxiety during their stay at the shelter. In addition, Animal Care Specialists I will be responsible for supporting, facilitating, and completing the adoption process according to adoption protocols and procedures including excellent customer service and post adoption support. 

Creating an inclusive and welcoming culture for volunteers, staff, and our community is an essential part of our work to support the human-animal bond, which is at the heart of what we do. As stated in our PETS Work Culture Agreement, we uphold Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support. We strive for excellence in all aspects of our mission from feeding hungry mouths to cultivating donors. We respect the variety of talents required to support our mission and we work together to accomplish this. We support and protect self-care managed by each individual in recognition that our work is endless, but impactful. If this resonates with you as a place you would like to work, we look forward to meeting you, and hopefully, welcoming you onto our team!

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support.
• Support and practice the Fear Free & Low-Stress Handling Shelter practices.
• Deliver a positive, memorable experience to everyone we engage.
• Engage adopters in conversation to learn more about their unique needs.
• Develop a rapport with available animals to provide adopter guidance.
• Learn about the adoption consultation & complete post-adoption follow-ups.
• Capture appealing photos and video of available pets for use on the website.
• Write accurate, engaging content for animal bios on the website.
• Proactively support an open adoption policy. 
• Perform simple grooming tasks. 
• Understand and implement infectious disease disinfection protocols throughout all housing and holding areas according to established guidelines in the required time periods to reduce disease transmission.
• Provide daily essential care for all shelter animals including; feeding, watering, monitoring health, and cleaning. 
• Exercise caution when handling animals and seek help when necessary.
• Provide essential daily enrichment, exercise and behavior care to animals in accordance with guidelines and protocols.
• Properly communicate all issues regarding health and behavior of shelter animals to management. 
• Ability to follow protocols accurately, consistently and efficiently.
• Ensure that all animals are safe and secure when cleaning is finished.
• Foster a friendly and welcoming environment to all volunteers, guests, and staff. 
• Provide comprehensive training and mentorship to incoming staff members and volunteers. 
• Respect the physical plant and equipment; report all building, caging and environmental problems to management or record in the Maintenance Request Form.
• Must respect animals and believe in Anti-Cruelty's mission and philosophy.
• Attend all scheduled meetings on and offsite.
• Assume other duties as assigned.
   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

• Ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Works effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to multitask while providing quality care in a fast paced and high-volume setting.
• Effective communication skills.
• Maintains a neat and professional appearance.
• Compassion and empathy for both animals and owners.
• Comfortable in handling animals and making sound decisions based on safety. 
• Ability to remain calm in a busy or stressful situation. 
• Ability to manage emotional aspect of work in an animal welfare environment in a positive, professional manner.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of previous experience in an animal related field preferred. 

Note: a comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide a level of knowledge, skills, and ability may qualify individuals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to handle work around all companion animals. 
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop and reach.
• Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife. 
• Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.

Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.