Position Title: Animal Care Coordinator (Supervisory, Management)
Reports To: Shelter Manager
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time (will include evenings,weekends, and holidays)
Location: Lillian Allbon Animal Shelter
Job Summary
The Animal Care Coordinator plays a pivotal role in maintaining the daily health, welfare, and operational flow of the Shelter. This position blends hands-on animal husbandry and basic medical care with administrative duties, public relations, and operational leadership. The ideal candidate will oversee animal intake, medication administration, inventory tracking, and adoptions, while serving as the Second in Command (2IC) to support the Shelter Manager in daily operations and decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
1. Medical Coordination & Direct Animal Care
- Medication Administration & Tracking: Administer oral, topical, and injectable medications as prescribed by veterinary partners. Accurately maintain electronic medical logs, treatment sheets, and daily health reports using Shelter software. Grooming & Comfort Services: Provide essential, low-stress animal care services including nail clipping, ear cleaning, and safe mat removal/shaving to improve animal comfort and hygiene. Health Monitoring: Perform daily rounds to monitor the physical and mental well-being of all Shelter animals. Identify and isolate animals showing signs of illness and coordinate with Veterinary staff. Behavioural Assessment & Modification Planning:Develop and implement structured socialization and enrichment programs, including training, desensitization, and positive reinforcement routines. Design individualized behavior modification plans for animals exhibiting signs of stress, anxiety, or reactivity, while ensuring all interventions are documented to track progress and refine care strategies.
2. Shelter Operations & Intake
- Animal Intake Processing: Facilitate the intake process for stray, surrendered, or transferred animals. Conduct initial physical exams, scan for microchips, administer intake vaccinations/dewormers, and document temperament notes. Inventory & Supply Management: Track, order, and organize Shelter inventory including food, cat litter, cleaning chemicals, PPE, and medical supplies (vaccines, microchips, and syringes) to ensure zero shortages. Sanitation Protocols: Ensure animal housing, isolation wards, and public areas meet high standards of cleanliness, safety, and disease control.
3. Public Relations & Adoption Services
- Adoption Processing: Guide potential adopters through the matchmaking process, review and process adoption applications, conduct adoption counseling, and complete final paperwork. Public Interface: Serve as a compassionate and professional point of contact for the public, addressing inquiries regarding animal surrenders, lost-and-found pets, and general Shelter policies, often in highly emotional situations.
4. Leadership & Second in Command (2IC)
- Operational Support: Act as the primary supervisor and point of contact when the Shelter Manager is off-site or unavailable. Staff & Volunteer Guidance: Assist in supervising,training, mentoring, and coordinating daily tasks for Kennel Keepers and volunteers, fostering a positive and cohesive team environment. Problem Solving: Efficiently handle escalated customer service issues or operational emergencies using sound judgment and Shelter guidelines.
Qualifications & Skills
Experience: Registered Veterinary Technician highly preferred. Will consider candidates with a minimum of 3 years of experience working with animals in a Shelter, Rescue, or Veterinary Clinic setting. Previous supervisory or leadership experience is a strong asset.
- Animal Handling: Strong proficiency in safe, humane, and low-stress animal restraint techniques for dogs and cats of various temperaments. Technical Skills: Familiarity with Shelter management software (e.g., PetPoint) and standard office programs (Microsoft Office/Google Suite). Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to remain calm, empathetic, and tactful when dealing with an emotional or challenging public. Organization: Highly organized with a keen eye for detail, particularly regarding medical charting and inventory counts.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently. Ability to bend, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods. Comfortable working in an environment with high noise levels, animal dander, and potential exposure to zoonotic illnesses or cleaning chemicals. Must have valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle that can be used in Shelter activities.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary Range: $22.00 - $24.00/hr depending on experience and qualifications
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience with animal care and team leadership to [email protected] with the subject line"Animal Care Coordinator Application – [Your Name]".
Pay: $22.00-$24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
