Animal Care Attendant
Date Adopted by City Manager
11/15/11
Comp. Code
9420
Job Title:
Animal Care Attendant
Definition
Under general supervision, perform a combination of kennel and animal care work along with significant public interaction. Employees in this classification perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the routine operation of an animal shelter including kennel cleaning and sanitation, animal care including assisting with medical care; handling livestock and cleaning corrals; working with volunteers and rescue groups; data entry; assisting the public with locating lost animals and adoptions; assisting with euthanasia; to perform related work as required.
Typical Duties
Perform routine day-to-day tasks required for the general operations and maintenance of the animal shelter; clean and disinfect animal enclosures, cages, equipment, enclosures, walkways, and work areas, including vehicles, vehicle caging and other equipment; washes dishes and laundry; feeds and cares for a wide-variety of animals, typically dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and may include reptiles, wildlife and livestock; assists compassionate and humane euthanasia and disposal of animals according to department protocols; maintains detailed records and security of federally controlled drugs in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; provides courteous and prompt customer service to members of the public; provides information relating to shelter policies, procedures and practices; provides advice on appropriate choices for animal adoption and proper animal care; accepts relinquished or stray animals and places the animal in appropriate housing according to species and special requirements; safely handles and transports animals from the shelter to the veterinary hospital or another shelter, as needed; updates computer files when receiving, treating, moving or assessing disposition of animals; keeps accurate records and logs; bathes animals and performs related animal grooming and care; handles animals humanely and effectively under stressful situations; checks impounded animals for microchip identification for location of owner; releases impounded animals to owners; assists with vaccinations, intake exams and other medical procedures; provides special care when advised of animals requiring medication, treatment, and/or special needs; observes and monitors animal shelter population and reports behavior irregularities and/ or disease symptoms; identifies, segregates, and isolates dangerous and/or ill animals; performs a brief assessment of animal health and temperament on arrival; conducts a daily walk-through to assess animal safety and well-being; cleans and maintains building and grounds areas at the shelter, including janitorial work and grounds keeping; assists in opening and closing of facility; assists in responding to disaster situations; may perform animal behavior and kennel enrichment programs; operates office equipment; performs other related work as required.
Tools and Equipment Used
Various equipment and tools used in the operation of an animal shelter or animal capture; Requires frequent use of high pressure washer, steam cleaner, broom, mop, brushes, hose, ladder, scales, telephone, computer terminal, copy and facsimile equipment, washing machine, dryer, lawn mower and garden implements, first aid equipment, motor vehicle, two-way radio, pager.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on a variety of surfaces, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, squat, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; taste and smell.
The employee must frequently lift, pull, push and or move more than 50 pounds; carry and restrain animals
weighing up to and in excess of 50 pounds. Employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this
Work Environment
Work is predominantly performed in a kennel environment; exposure to excessive noise (barking dogs); animal waste and dead animals; dust; chemicals from cleaning agents/disinfectants; sewage and zoonotic diseases. Tasks require frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions (extreme heat/cold, wet conditions), foul odors, dangerous animals, euthanasia equipment and chemicals, moving mechanical parts and traffic.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Basic practices and techniques for impounding and caring for a variety of animals, animal anatomy, breed identification, behavior and first aid treatment.
Ability to
Ability to perform heavy manual labor in varied assignments; understand and carry out oral and
written instructions; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the
course of work; understand written and oral instructions, write clear and accurate reports; operate radio,
telephone; learn to identify common breeds of dogs, cats, livestock and other exotic animals and reptiles;
perform animal care and handling techniques, identify symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and
other common domestic animal diseases.
Experience/Education
High school graduation or equivalent supplemented by knowledge of animal husbandry and shelter practices is desired. Education, training, and/or experience should demonstrate possession of the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Six (6) months of experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, humane society, or other animal facility is preferred.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver License. Ability to successfully complete formal training courses on job-related responsibilities including possession or ability to obtain a certificate of euthanasia as provided by the State of California within 6 months of employment.