Animal Care Attendant

**General Duties (75%) include but are not limited to**:

- Primary animal care: _feeding, providing daily fresh water, cleaning, disinfection and housing maintenance for upwards of 200 animals of varying species (cats, rabbits, small animals etc.) including Sanctuary resident animals (chickens, goats, etc.)

Administration and documentation of medications, where approved and required.

Monitoring health and behaviour status of each animal in addition to proper documentation and communication of any change of health or behaviour status. Safely handle and restrain animals as required for cleaning and treatments in accordance with fear-free techniques.
- Secondary animal care:_ cleaning of dishes, laundry, upholding of building cleaning and disinfection protocols. Care and sterilization of equipment: scales, catch poles, nail clippers etc.

Conducting regular building deep-cleaning and sanitation between groups and as scheduled to prevent spread of infectious disease.

**Supporting Duties (20%) include but are not limited to**:
Provide enrichment and socialization to boarding and resident animals. Become familiar with animals and communicate any changes in behaviour as outlined.

Administer any additional medical care where approved including oral and topical medications, bandage changes, assist with vaccination or intake exams.

Assist with general animal treatments (nail trims, brushing, baths etc.)

Regular restocking as required, food, hay, litter etc. up to 65lbs.

**Occasional Duties (5%) include but are not limited to**:
Help to manage inventory by reporting damaged, low or needed items as required. Tidying and organization of storage and treatment areas.

Participate in team meetings, trainings, staff discussions and provide support and feedback to other team members and management.

Participation in health and safety initiatives and inspections. Work in compliance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Provide support for other facilities on property as required. Provide transport for in-care animals to/ from required appointments where needed. Work closely with our charity partner, Dorset Rescue Kittens, to facilitate transfers for adoption and assist with animal care as needed.

**Organization History**:
Founded in 2022, Dogwood Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to the temporary and permanent care of stray, abused and otherwise vulnerable animals. Operating 365 days a year, Dogwood provides shelter, monitoring and enrichment for over 1000 stray, abandoned, or abused animals a year. Working in partnership with Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS), temporary care and housing is provided to animals with pending cases from all over Ontario. In addition to temporary care, Dogwood is home to a number of resident rescue animals who reside permanently within the Sanctuary. The Dogwood team began as a small group of animal care attendants and management, and has since expanded to include numerous leadership, care and volunteer positions. The Sanctuary is fortunate to consist of a highly skilled and passionate workforce that has a proven foundation built on mutual learning and respect. Each employee brings a set of unique skills and experience that make essential contributions to the Dogwood team. All Dogwood employees pride themselves on providing high quality care and enrichment to all animals we have the pleasure of housing, no matter their duration in care. Our team is the drive behind Dogwood’s culture of ongoing growth and success. Employees are encouraged to be part of the conversation, provide feedback to leadership and work as a team to help find new ways the sanctuary can evolve. We are committed to exemplary animal care, team building, and mutual contributions to cultivate excellence within our talented team. Dogwood Animal Sanctuary is a revenue generating business entity who works closely with our non-profit charity partner, Dorset Rescue Kittens.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $19.00 per hour

Work Location: In person