Anti-Cruelty Job DescriptionJob Title: Animal Care AssociateUnder the direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Animal Care Associate provides essential daily care to shelter animals while maintaining a safe, sanitary, and low-stress environment in alignment with established protocols and best practices.This role serves as the foundation of Shelter Care operations, ensuring animals receive consistent husbandry, enrichment, and monitoring while supporting positive experiences for adopters, volunteers, and staff.Creating an inclusive and welcoming culture is central to our work. As outlined in our PETS Work Culture Agreement, we uphold Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support in all interactions.Essential Job FunctionsUphold the PETS Work Culture AgreementFollow Fear Free and Low-Stress Handling practicesProvide daily care including feeding, watering, cleaning, and monitoring healthPerform routine cleaning and disinfection per established protocolsProvide basic enrichment and exercise to reduce stressObserve and report health or behavior concerns promptlySafely handle animals and seek assistance when neededMaintain clean, safe, and secure animal housing areasAssist with adoption support, including:Engaging with adoptersSharing basic animal informationSupporting post-adoption follow-upCapture photos/videos and assist with animal profiles as neededMaintain a clean and organized work environmentSupport volunteers and new staff with guidance and modelingAttend required meetings and trainingsPerform other duties as assignedKnowledge, Skills and AbilityAbility 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/ExperienceHigh 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 RequirementsAbility 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.