Animal Care Assistant (Pet Resource Center)

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Based on area of assignment incumbents may perform work that includes domestic dog and cat animal care, services, and kennel maintenance at a county animal shelter. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below:

• Provide for the basic needs of the pets in the care and custody of the Pet Resource Center (PRC) assuring the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare are maintained. Includes but not limited to feeding, cleaning, exercise, enrichment, and basic care of treatment as directed by a veterinarian. 
• Provides daily observation and triage of pets in the care of PRC, recording changes as appropriate and reporting changes or concerns to a veterinary technician or veterinarian in a timely manner with accurate & complete observations noted in the shelter software system.
• Interacts with potential adopters, foster caregivers, & rescues; facilitating meet-and-greet sessions between potential adopters & pets; and explaining basic veterinary care given at the shelter & ongoing care needed.
• Performs euthanasia in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida. Responsible for accurate records, drawing and administration of drugs, and all other aspects from selection of the animal through death verification. 
• Assigns shelter tags, pens, and cages for placement of animals in designated areas.
• Maintains inventories of food, cleaning materials and equipment. Provides food and water to animals. Cleans animal kennels, cages, and shelter areas to provide a sanitary and disease-free environment.
• Inspects assigned areas for safety compliance, routine maintenance requirements and animal inventory control to comply with standards and policy.
• Assists citizens by locating animals within the shelter area; resolving conflicts; providing information and education regarding Animal Services and animal laws and ensuring safety of persons within the shelter to promote good customer relations.
• Maintains medical, technical, and legal documentation required in a shelter operation to include drug usage and treatment reports and records.
• Supports the Department in mandated ESF-17 (Emergency Support Function 17) responsibilities in the event of a disaster or during an activation of the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
• Cleans animal kennels, cages, and shelter areas to provide a sanitary and disease-free environment.
• Operates pressure cleaning equipment.
• Observes and reports animals for signs of injury, sickness, and disease.
• Assists in assigning animal shelter tags and records, performing inventories of animals, and placing animals in a pen or cage.
• Provides other customer service-related duties as required.
• May assist veterinary staff with care and medical treatment of sick, injured, feral and abused animals.
• Coordinates animal quarantine for dangerous or suspected rabid animals according to state quarantine laws including related paperwork and animal observation.
• Maintains computer-based information on animals within the shelter to include type of animal, location, disposition data and any other pertinent information as determined by Department policy.
• Performs related work as required.

Job Specifications

• Knowledge of Florida laws and Hillsborough County animal care ordinances pertaining to small animals.
• Knowledge of general maintenance and sanitation techniques used in animal shelters and sentinel chicken coups.
• Knowledge of animal drug use regulations, euthanasia programs, and biohazardous waste disposal.
• Some knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology.
• Skill in administering animal medications and medical treatments.
• Knowledge in identification of animal diseases and health requirements.
• Ability to use animal handling equipment within a shelter environment, including specialized handling of dangerous or suspect rabid animals.
• Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to read and understand job related material.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions.
• Ability to perform duties with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to write effectively using proper spelling and grammar.

Physical Requirements

• Work is generally performed outdoors and may occur during adverse weather conditions.
• Work involves physical activities that require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as climbing, lifting, walking, stooping, and handling of materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Handle, position, and restrain live animals and/or fish of small and large size.

Work Category

• Heavy Work- Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from high school or possession of GED Certificate; AND
• One year of experience in animal care in a shelter environment, veterinary clinic, or animal care facility; OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
• Possess a valid Florida Driver License (Class E); AND
• Selected candidates must obtain Florida Animal Control Association (FACA) Euthanasia Certification within the first six months of employment.

NOTE: Preventative rabies shots are available and encouraged.