Description
Provide daily care, custody, and sanitation for impounded and stray animals in a municipal pound or shelter. Feed, water, clean, monitor health and behavior, maintain records, assist with intake, adoptions, reunifications, and transfers, interact with the public and animal control staff, and assist veterinary staff with treatments, vaccinations, microchipping, equipment sterilization, and humane euthanasia as directed.
- • Feed and water impounded animals according to schedules and dietary needs.
- • Intake animals, scan for microchips, photograph, and assign identification and housing.
- • Collect and record intake data, medical notes, behavior observations, treatments, and daily care logs.
- • Clean, sanitize, and disinfect kennels, cages, runs, and common areas.
- • Wash laundry and clean bowls, litter pans, and handling equipment.
- • Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, or stress and report or act per protocols.
- • Administer basic treatments, vaccinations, dewormers, and medications as directed.
- • Prepare and dispense food, liquid formulas, and prescribed medications.
- • Provide enrichment and basic training to reduce stress and improve adoptability.
- • Maintain quarantine and isolation procedures and adjust temperature and humidity as required.
- • Safely restrain, move, and transfer animals between kennels, isolation, clinic, and adoption areas.
- • Assist with humane euthanasia and carcass handling in accordance with policy and law.
- • Assist veterinarians or technicians with exams, microchipping, and minor procedures, and clean and sterilize instruments.
- • Answer phones, greet visitors, and schedule intake, reclaim, and adoption appointments.
- • Advise the public on adoptions, redemptions, licensing, and basic pet care.
- • Process adoptions and reclaims, collect fees, and complete required paperwork.
- • Respond to patron inquiries about animals and guide visitors safely through kennel areas.
- • Coordinate with animal control officers on holds, evidence cases, and quarantine requirements.
- • Order, receive, and stock feed, cleaning supplies, and medications.
- • Maintain facility equipment and perform minor repairs to kennels and fixtures.
- • Follow safety, sanitation, and bite-prevention protocols and report incidents.
- • Perform basic grooming and bathing as needed for health or adoption readiness.
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Agriculture
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
