Company Overview
Founded in 1990, WAIF (Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation) is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to helping pets and their people. Located on, we focus on protecting companion animals, providing compassionate care, advocating for animal welfare, and fostering the human-animal bond.
Job Overview
We are seeking a passionate and energetic Kennel Care Attendant to join our team! In this vital role, you will ensure the well-being of our animals through attentive cleaning and following proper disinfection protocols. Your enthusiasm for animal care and strong work ethic will help create a safe, clean, and loving environment for our pets while supporting our mission to improve animal lives.
Key Responsibilities
Responsible for maintaining proper disease control protocols, including cleaning of facility, laundry, and general maintenance of facility.
Competencies
- Ability to be highly organized and detail oriented, with little supervision to accomplish tasks successfully and in a timely manner.
- Ability to learn and perform daily cleaning of kennels, cages and public areas, following proper disease control protocol to ensure a sterile environment often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent.
- Perform general cleaning in other areas of the shelter to control the spread of disease.
- Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
- Stock all kennel/cleaning supplies as needed.
- Clean, fold, and stock kennel laundry throughout the shelter and clinic.
- Flexible schedule with ability to work weekends.
Physical Demands
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
- Physical Effort: Often requires lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 lbs. Frequently requires handling of materials up to 20 lbs. The work is performed in shelter surroundings, including outdoors in inclement weather conditions. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods. This is a physically demanding position where cleaning kennels is approximately 60% to 80% of the daily responsibilities.
- Working Conditions: Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required. Exposure to unpleasant odors and noises. Exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes. Possible exposure to contagious diseases.
- Knowledge of: Cleaning and disinfecting methods and the use and care of cleaning materials and equipment.
Emotional/Mental Requirements
Before you apply, please consider the following:
The position of a Kennel Care Attendant is both physically demanding and emotionally challenging. It entails extensive cleaning and exposure to a range of animal illnesses. Nevertheless, this role is vital as it significantly contributes to helping animals find loving homes. At WAIF, we take pride in saving over 90% of the animals that come into our care. However, it is important to recognize that this job also involves confronting difficult realities, such as animal sickness or loss, often within the constraints of limited resources and staffing. This role requires a deep commitment and compassion for both animals (and people), going beyond simply enjoying playtime. Kennel Care Attendants must be equipped to handle the fast-paced, demanding, and sometimes heartbreaking situations associated with this essential work. Additionally, Kennel Care Attendants:
- 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 team
- Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm
Position will remain open until filled.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
WAIF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. WAIF makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Pay: $18.13 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee assistance program
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
