Dog Care Technician

Canine Animal Care Technician

Department: Shelter Operations
Reports To: Adoption Center Manager
Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

The Canine Animal Care Technician is responsible for providing daily care for dogs in the shelter, supporting a clean and humane environment, and assisting with safe animal handling and enrichment activities. This role performs routine cleaning and animal care tasks in accordance with shelter SOPs and disease control protocols and supports a positive experience for adopters and visitors through professional communication and customer service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Animal Care & Welfare

Provide daily care for shelter dogs, including feeding, watering, walking, monitoring, and general husbandry.

Observe and report changes in health, behavior, appetite, or condition to the Adoption Center Manager.

Provide enrichment, exercise, and socialization opportunities for resident dogs in accordance with shelter guidelines.

Safely walk and handle dogs of varying sizes, breeds, and temperaments using approved equipment and techniques.

Assist with basic animal care procedures as assigned, which may include vaccinating, microchipping, and administering routine care under established protocols and supervision.

Cleaning, Sanitation & Disease Control

Clean dog kennels, runs, outdoor areas, and surrounding workspaces according to shelter sanitation schedules and disease control requirements.

Use disinfectants and cleaning products safely and as directed, following all safety protocols and PPE requirements.

Maintain clean, organized, and safe dog housing and exercise areas to support animal health and staff safety.

Customer Service & Shelter Support

Provide courteous, accurate information to the public in person and by phone regarding adoptions, lost and found, and general shelter procedures, within the scope of the position.

Support adoption center operations by assisting staff with animal movement, kennel setup, and other tasks as assigned.

Records & Documentation

Enter and update animal care notes and records in shelter management software and maintain required documentation as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

Ability to safely and confidently handle dogs of varying sizes, breeds, and temperaments.

Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with coworkers and members of the public in person, by phone, and in writing.

Ability to follow written protocols, schedules, and safety procedures, including disease control and bite prevention requirements.

Basic computer skills and willingness to learn shelter software and documentation processes.

Preferred

Previous experience in animal care, veterinary assisting, animal welfare, or shelter/rescue work.

Familiarity with dog handling techniques, enrichment practices, and basic behavior observation.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally move items or animals exceeding 50 pounds with assistance.

Regular exposure to animals, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, noise, and emotionally challenging situations.

Work may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions during dog walking and kennel maintenance.

Work Schedule & Classification

Full-time, in-person position

Non-exempt (hourly)