Animal Caregiver

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation's leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.    

Responsible for providing a high standard of care and humane handling for all shelter animals and maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people. Ensures all animals' nutrition, housing, enrichment, and other care needs are met daily.  

• Clean, disinfect, and maintain all animal housing spaces on a daily and continuous basis, adhering to HRA Standard Operating Procedures and protocols for animal care, kennel maintenance, sanitation, parasite and disease control, and other animal care practices  
• Provide appropriate diet, clean water, and enrichment to all animals according to SOPs and as directed by management and medical personnel 
• Monitor animals' health and behaviors and record observations at least daily according to SOP. Report signs of illness and behavior concerns as directed to appropriate personnel. 
• Monitor daily laundry washing, folding, and stocking
• Bathe and clean animals on a regular schedule or immediately if they become soiled.
• Work alongside volunteers to complete tasks given for the betterment of the animals in care
• Record clear and concise notes regarding animal behavior and care in PetPoint
• Move animals around the facility as directed by the animal care management team and ensure that all animal locations and stages are correctly entered into PetPoint
• Keep all animal areas stocked with food, litter, cleaning supplies, and other essential items, informing Managers when items need replenishment or repair 
• Put away deliveries and donations of animal care and cleaning supplies throughout the day as they are delivered  
• Maintain the cleanliness of common and public areas assigned to the Animal Care team  
• Provide guidance and assistance to HRA volunteers and community service workers 
• Read HRA email daily, responding promptly when appropriate 
• Report maintenance/repair issues to the animal care department management 
• Any other duties as assigned by Animal Care Managers and the Director of Animal Care.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to  

perform essential functions. 

• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work.  
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; allergens; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

Qualifications – Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED 
• Willingness to work with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and birds 
• Fear Free Certified 
• Must have open availability and a flexible schedule 
• Proficient in the use of email and navigating basic software needed 
• Computer and phone literacy skills
• Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout all aspects of the position, always maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions 
• Ability to work in a team environment and follow directions 
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive, professional manner.  
• Passion for the Humane Rescue Alliance mission, for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.

The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets.  Additional information may be provided upon request.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing. 

 HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.