Primary Purpose

The primary purpose of this position is to perform all necessary work involved in maintaining the animal housing areas within Craven Pamlico Animal Services Center in a sanitary and pleasant condition. This position is responsible for the welfare and disposition of the animals including but is not limited to triage exam, assisting with surgical procedures, administration of medications, vaccine administration, records completion, adopter communication and education. This also includes upkeep of the surgical suite and equipment with routine maintenance and cleaning.

Essential Functions

75%Animal Care / Cleaning

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all animal housing areas (cages, runs, related areas) as often as necessary.
• Provide shelter animals with proper food and water.
• Give shelter animals prescribed medications as required and document on medical logs accordingly.
• Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
• Launder animal bedding and other items as necessary.
• Groom and exercise animals as necessary.
• Routinely observe animal appearance and activity.
• Be aware of and report any signs of illness, disease, and/or injury to supervisor or veterinarian for evaluation.
• Recognize, record, and report any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of any shelter animal.
• Receive animals through shelter intake process and check for microchip identification when needed. Ensure proper identification and information is posted on kennel/cage and matches PetPoints documentation.
• Update or have supervisor update animal location and/or any information in PetPoints when an animal is moved, or changes occur.
• Be familiar with animals available for adoption, assist the public with appropriate adoption choices to include introductions, providing pertinent information about the animals, and meet and greets between current pet(s) and the animal being considered for adoption.
• Release animals to owners only after verifying proper documentation and vaccinations have been completed.
• Assist public, other shelter staff, and Animal Control Officers with handling or restraint of animals following policy and procedures to ensure safety of people and animal(s).
• If certified to do so, vaccinate animals as assigned.
• Assist veterinarian with surgical procedures.
• Assist with behavior evaluations of shelter animals when necessary.
• Based on credentials, perform or assist with euthanasia of identified animals when deemed necessary.
• General cleaning of other shelter areas (inside and outside) - pick up trash, sweep, mop, empty trash, etc. Ensure areas safe and clean for animals and the public.
• Maintain equipment used to complete job assignments and keeping such equipment and tools in good working condition. Keep equipment and tools put away in proper storage areas.
• Unpacking, labeling, and stocking of shelter supplies and donations.
• Assist with monitoring inventory of supplies and notify supervisor of items that need to be ordered.

20%Administrative

• Answer phones and greet the public entering the shelter.
• Answering questions and providing appropriate information regarding shelter animals and adoption or reclaim procedures.
• Provide public education regarding rabies vaccination requirements for dogs and cats.
• Assist with intake/reclaim/adoption paperwork.
• Other administrative duties assigned as needed.

5%Other

• In the event of a disaster, may be required to assist as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or management.

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and one year of animal handling experience.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge and skills in basic animal behavior and controlling/handling individual animal temperament. Proper methods of restraint and the ability to gain animal confidence when restraining. Cleaning and disinfecting methods and the use and care of cleaning materials and equipment. Knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms and means of transmission, administration of medications, assessment of change in animal status.

Physical Requirements Employee must be able to handle and control animals to prevent injury to themselves, other people, and the animal(s). Must be physically able to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions. Must be able bend, stoop, kneel, and lift/move heavy animals or objects. A significant amount of walking and standing is also required.