Description Job Title: Pet Care and Enrichment Associate Working Relationships: Reports to the Pet Care Manager and works closely with the Behavior Manager, Community Resource Counselors, Medical Department, and the Pathway & Logistics Coordinator Job Summary: The Pet Care and Enrichement Associate is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, cleanliness, enrichment, and overall well-being of pets in our care. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a sanitary, enriching, and compassionate environment for all shelter residents in accordance with LHS protocols and state veterinary regulations. Responsibilities: Kennel Attendant: • Must be able to handle and work with both dogs and cats and sometimes small animals, including but not limited to: birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits. • Ensure all pets receive the correct portion/type of food at each feeding. • Ensure all pets have access to full, clean water bowls throughout the day. • Maintain cleanliness in all animal living quarters throughout the day; all areas are free of fecal matter and other various messes. Ensure all kennels, cages, and other living quarters are sanitized and cleaned daily. • Properly use chemicals necessary to maintain a clean, healthy, and sanitary environment. Enrichment: • Enriching the lives of the pets by taking them on walks, training, giving treats, toys, etc. • Providing additional forms of enrichment to the pets in care at the direction of our behavior team • Handle all pets with compassion and love. • Walk and handle dogs of various sizes, ages, and behavioral categories. Compliance: • Be knowledgeable and follow state regulations, as well as LHS procedures, policies, and protocols. • All kennels, cages, and other housing areas are cleaned in accordance with LHS SOPs and VA State Vet Laws. • Monitor pets for any signs of injury or illness and report any to a member of the medical team immediately. • Ensure that Isolation protocols are met in the event of a disease outbreak. • Successfully prevent the spread of disease/illness by following LHS disease control protocols, taking proper precautions, and using proper equipment. • Knowledge of basic communicable diseases and how they are transmitted, as well as knowledge of all cleaning procedures and protocols. Side Duties/other cleaning: • Ensure all assigned side duties are completed on a daily basis. • Collect trash and take to dumpsters • Clean crates and carriers, and help maintain a clean loading dock • Stock supplies when deliveries arrive • Maintain a regular laundry rotation and an organized and sanitary laundry room • Sterilize and clean dishes Other: • Provide baths for pets when needed • Successfully collect fecal samples when needed. • Maintaining equipment used to complete job assignments and keeping such equipment and tools in good working condition. Keeping equipment and tools stored in designated areas. • Work alongside co-workers and the Pathways Planning Coordinator to hit goal benchmarks and move pets through their selected pathways • Other duties as assigned by management Requirements Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Emotional/Mental Requirements: • Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions • Ability to rapidly and accurately process information • Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Ability to make decisions Animal Handling: • Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior) • Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals. The use of safety equipment is mandatory • Must possess excellent reflexes • Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help • Become “Fear Free Certified” Qualifications: • Ability to handle all types of animals • Ability to lift 50+ lbs • Ability to work efficiently with limited supervision. • Ability to maintain composure and excel in a fast-paced environment while remaining organized, effective, and efficient. • Ability to communicate with coworkers and the public respectfully, even under pressure. • Willingness and ability to work weekends and holidays as needed to care for the pets and meet the needs of the organization.