Canine Caretaker Job Description
Reports to: Canine Care Coordinator
Time Commitment and Location of Work: This is a part-time position. The position has a rotating schedule with evening and weekend shifts and some holidays required. We care for our dogs seven days/nights a week, rain or shine, and are looking for someone committed to assisting in their care with a positive attitude and eagerness to work hard.
Position Summary: The canine caretaker is expected to work within a team setting to oversee the health, well-being and general care of all canines at Acadiana Animal Aid. Caretakers are expected to work with and engage our canine volunteers while overseeing their safety and ensuring they follow our protocols.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
- Walk and exercise dogs
- Feed, monitor eating habits, and report appetite or weight fluctuations
- Responsible for observing and reporting any changes in health or appearance; including bowel movement scores, lethargy, etc.
- Clean kennels, crates, runs, dishes, and laundry in accordance with posted protocols
- Scoop both on all dog walks
- Bathe and brush dogs when needed and able
- Administer medications
- Work with the canine coordinator to enhance the physical and emotional wellbeing of all dogs
- Work with trainer/behaviorist on dog enrichment, behavior modification and specific training programs
- Treat the animals with kindness and respect
- Work closely with and supervise volunteers
- Communicate clearly to staff and volunteers
- Follow all procedures and protocols to help decrease cross-contamination and increase overall health
- Identify and report improvements to cleaning procedures and caretaking responsibilities
- Ensure the dogs have comfortable bedding and appropriate enrichment/stimulation
- Help maintain upkeep of outdoor yards and kennel areas
- Work with visitors and volunteers to monitor, evaluate and improve visitor, volunteer and intern programs.
Qualifications:
- Ability to multitask, work well with co-workers, and be a good communicator
- Work with an upbeat, positive and energetic attitude
- Must be able to work with all dogs, including those with health and behavior concerns, and all sizes and energy levels
- Must be willing to work weekends, evenings, and holidays
- Must be able to professionally advocate Acadiana Animal Aids’ position on issues
- Must be able to routinely life 50 pounds
- Must be able to perform strenuous physical activity including but not limited to; standing, lifting, carrying stooping, squatting cleaning and bending for prolonged periods
- Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Long exposure on a daily basis to dogs of all temperaments, sizes, and medical conditions
- Honest, willing to work, and in good physical condition
Additional Information
Employees regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week will be entitled to five (5) paid sick days and ten (10) vacation days. These employees begin accruing paid time off on their first day and are eligible to begin taking accrued time at 90 days of employment.
AAA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $11.00 per hour
Shift:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Night shift
Work Days:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
