POSITION SUMMARY
At Tails of Hope, every animal in our care deserves comfort, dignity, and a real chance at a bright future. The Animal Wellness Caretaker is at the heart of that promise — responsible for the daily care and wellbeing of the animals in our shelter, making sure each one receives attentive care, exercise, and health monitoring in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This hands-on role calls for compassion, sharp attention to detail, and a steady commitment to the safety and sanitation practices that keep our animals healthy and our shelter running smoothly.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Daily Animal Care: Provide attentive, compassionate care for all animals in the shelter, including feeding, watering, and monitoring general health and behavior
● Exercise & Enrichment: Walk dogs regularly to keep them safe, healthy, and socialized, and lead enrichment activities that support each animal's physical and mental well-being
● Health Monitoring: Watch for signs of diminished functioning or changes in appetite, behavior, or physical condition, and promptly share concerns with veterinary staff
● Kennel Cleaning & Sanitation: Clean cat and dog kennels following established safety and sanitation protocols, keeping every living space fresh and welcoming
● Cleaning Protocols: Follow proper cleaning procedures, including scrubbing organic material with detergent, applying disinfectant for the appropriate contact time, and fully drying enclosures
● Safety Compliance: Perform spot cleaning when appropriate and complete full kennel cleaning and disinfection when required, always adhering to protocols that prevent disease transmission
● Animal Handling: Safely and confidently handle animals of all sizes and temperaments during cleaning, exercise, medical procedures, and visitor interactions
● Record Keeping: Document daily care activities, behavioral observations, and health concerns in animal records
● Facility Maintenance: Help keep the shelter running smoothly by maintaining clean common areas, laundry, and storage spaces
● Basic Medical Support: Provide basic healthcare support, such as administering medications as directed and assisting with treatments under supervision
● Supply Management: Monitor supplies of food, cleaning materials, and enrichment items, and report inventory needs
● Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with fellow staff and volunteers, bringing a positive attitude to a shared mission
QUALIFICATIONS
● Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred
● Experience: Previous experience with animal care or in a shelter/kennel environment preferred but not required
Essential Skills:
○ Ability to safely handle animals of various sizes and temperaments
○ Understanding of animal behavior and stress signals
○ Commitment to providing humane handling and care
○ Strong attention to detail for following cleaning and safety protocols
● Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in various weather conditions
● Work Environment: Comfortable working around strong odors, loud noises, and potential exposure to animal allergens
● Schedule: Flexible availability including weekends, holidays, and some evening hours
● Compassion: A caring attitude toward animals and genuine commitment to their welfare
● Reliability: Dependable attendance and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
● Safety Mindset: Willingness to follow all safety and sanitation protocols to help prevent disease
transmission
PERSONAL QUALITIES WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- A warm, welcoming presence who serves as an outstanding ambassador for Tails of Hope in every interaction with staff, volunteers, adopters and donors
- Patient, clear, and calm under pressure
- A collaborative team member who communicates openly, supports colleagues, and contributes to a positive, mission-driven culture
- Positive, resilient, and mission-driven—able to hold both the joys and heartbreaks of this work with grace
WHAT WE OFFER
- A collaborative, mission-driven team environment where your voice matters
- Paid time off
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Professional development opportunities
- The profound fulfillment of being the person who connects animals with loving families—and who helps build the community that makes it possible
Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
