Part-time Animal Care Attendant

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth are leaders in animal welfare in our communities and committed to promoting the human-animal bond, while focusing on the responsible treatment of animals through education, collaboration, compliance, advocacy and care.

Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Animal Care or designate, the Animal Care Attendant will assist in the provision of a broad range of animal welfare programs, best practices and protocols that form part of the animal welfare mandate of The Humane Society. The Animal Care Attendant will take-on departmental functions that ensure the health and well-being of the animals that come under the care of The Humane Society.

Responsibilities include best efforts to ensure the health, wellness and welfare of all animals within the Centre at all times, following strict cleaning and disinfection protocols, assisting other Animal Care staff and the Veterinarian as needed, offering exceptional customer service, and other assignments as required.

The position requires a willingness to work a variety of shifts, including some weekdays, evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. The number of hours provided varies on the number of animals in our care. In the summer, hours could be anywhere from 24 to 40 hours, and in the winter, hours could be anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.

**PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES**:

- Cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages, food dishes, as well as whole areas within the facility
- Providing animals with appropriate food and clean water
- Providing enrichment to animals
- Stray animal intake, setting up kennels, taking photos, scanning for microchips and checking for identification
- Assist the veterinarian/RVT’s as required, including providing wound care, post-operative care and more
- Building a positive customer experience through adoptions and intakes
- Record keeping within our PetPoint database
- Helping with department inventory
- Supporting animal care volunteers in their training and duties, as well as engaging and building relationships with them
- Fostering relationships with colleagues, volunteers, customers, partners, sponsors, community groups etc.
- Other duties as required,

**POSITION REQUIREMENTS**:
The following are general descriptions of some of the requirements necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position. The Animal Care Attendant must have the following skills, among others:

- Strong sense of teamwork and collaboration, with the ability to foster the same amongst others.
- Interpersonal skills to deal with multiple and differing behaviours of fellow staff, customers and other organizational contacts.
- Must treat animals humanely, with compassion and concern both on and off the job.
- Preferred knowledge in Animal Welfare practices relating to animal sheltering, adoptions, and euthanasia.
- A general understanding of animal protection laws and animal welfare issues is important.
- Working experience with the handling of a wide variety of animals
- Ability to manage physical requirements of the position for extended periods of time (40% of workload) including: lifting and restraining of large animals, lifting of large bags of pet food and buckets, etc. as well as scrubbing floors, cages, windows etc.
- Ability to function effectively under challenging circumstances and accept direction.
- Organizational skills in order to meet time demands and multiple duties.
- Ability to prioritize and deliver timely results.
- Computer literacy - Microsoft Windows and Word, customized Humane Society programs and basic knowledge of typical office equipment.
- Hold valid Class “G” Ontario driver’s license preferred and/or access to reliable transportation.

**THE IMPORTANT DETAILS & PERKS**:

- Part-time permanent role
- Based out of our Kitchener animal centre
- Salary of $16.56 per hour
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to staff pet food program (discounted retail prices)
- Access to staff veterinary services program
- An environment always filled with adorable animals

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 8 - 40 per week

**Salary**: $16.56 per hour

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
We continue to follow the guidelines of the Ontario government and public health departments. Masks are mandatory on site.

Work Location: In person