Canine Caretaker

Position: Canine Caretaker

Reports to: Canine Manager

Classification:  Part- or full-time, non-exempt

Schedule: Monday - Friday 1:00PM - 6:00PM

Position Summary

The Canine Caretaker is responsible for providing daily care to shelter dogs while ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for animals, adopters, volunteers, and staff. This position plays a critical role in supporting animal welfare through proper husbandry, safe handling, behavior observation, sanitation, and customer service.

Essential Responsibilities

• Clean, sanitize, and maintain kennels, housing areas, enrichment items, and related shelter spaces according to established protocols.

• Provide daily care for shelter dogs, including feeding, watering, exercise, enrichment, and monitoring overall health and well-being.

• Safely handle dogs of varying sizes, ages, breeds, and temperaments using low-stress handling techniques and established safety procedures.

• Observe, accurately interpret, and document canine body language, behavior, and any changes in physical or emotional condition.

• Communicate behavior, health, and welfare concerns promptly to supervisors and other appropriate team members.

• Assist adopters and visitors by providing information about available animals and supporting positive adoption experiences through excellent customer service.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to animal care, behavior, and daily operations.

• Support volunteers and foster caregivers as directed and contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with dogs in a shelter, veterinary, boarding, daycare, training, or similar animal care setting preferred.

• Ability to recognize and appropriately respond to canine body language and behavior.

• Commitment to humane animal care, workplace safety, and excellent customer service.

• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and handling animals throughout the workday.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Qualifications 

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required. 

• Ability to maintain a professional appearance, attitude, and demeanor when interacting with staff, volunteers, adopters, and the public. 

• Dependable attendance and punctuality required. 

• Must successfully pass a background check. 

• Direct deposit (ACH) required.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, emotionally demanding animal welfare environment.

• Work is performed in an animal shelter and may involve exposure to animal waste, noise, odors, zoonotic diseases, cleaning chemicals, and unpredictable animal behavior.

• Ability to work assigned schedules, including weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as needed.

• Ability to remain active for extended periods; frequently walk, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, push, pull, and perform repetitive physical tasks.

• Ability to safely lift and carry animals, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a high standard of animal care and customer service.

The Humane Society of Delaware County is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for people and animals alike.

This is an at-will position.