Address
Form of workThis position is part-time with a potential for full-time in the future. Playing one of the most crucial roles in the direct care of all PAWS Chicago internal animals, Animal Caregivers are responsible for the daily care and cleaning of all animals in the adoption program within PAWS Chicago. This includes: daily feeding, watering and cleaning of all animal areas (both dogs and cats). Also requires walking of dogs.
Animal Caregivers must be willing to work closely with volunteers/staff. They are responsible for closely monitoring medical/behavioral observation logs to ensure each animal is receiving the PAWS Chicago care standard. They must obey any animal exercise restrictions.
In addition, to caring for all of the internal animals at PAWS Chicago, Animal Caregivers are also responsible for ensuring that common areas that are a part of the shelter are clean and maintained. This includes: vacuuming, mopping, sweeping and taking out trash for all kennels and common areas (playroom, walkways, spa room, and laundry and storage areas).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for ensuring the checklist items are done on a daily basis as assigned.
- Ensuring the housing areas are organized and presentable. The cat room should have matching (as best as we can) blankets, towels, and bedding. The dogs should have a dog house and/or Kuranda bed, a blanket, toys, etc.
- Animal Supplies Inventory. Notify appropriate individual to replenish stock with adequate notice to maintain a stocked position.
- Animal Health. Coordinate with Animal Care Manager Intake or Team Lead Animal Caregiver on any changes observed and as policy directs.
- Prepare Animals for Sx procedures. Ensure food and/or water is withheld when necessary and proper notice is displayed as requested.
- Animal Behavior. Ensure information on health or behavior changes are communicated to Animal Care Manager Intake or Team Lead Animal Caregiver and as policy directs.
- Cleaning Supplies Inventory. Notify appropriate individual to replenish stock with adequate notice to maintain a stocked position.
- Be able to drive transport van and assist with transport of animals offsite.
- Other duties as requested or needed by supervisors.
- Passion for animals and animal welfare
- Animal Caregivers must be able to work one weekend day and holidays.
- Animal Caregivers must be able to lift 40 lbs and walk/hold large dogs on outdoor walks and on stairways.
- Animal Caregivers are expected and relied upon to work the hours scheduled and to directly notify their supervisor by telephone or in person 2 hours in advance of schedule start time if they will not be able to work their scheduled hours.
Physical Requirements
- Balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping.
- Standing for sustained periods of time.
- Walking and moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
- Able to lift 50lbs occasionally, 30lbs frequently and 10lbs constantly.
- Repetitive motion.
- Able to work in small confined places.
PAWS Chicago Values-in-Action
- Respect: for each and every life.
- Community: of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.
- Innovation: to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.
- Pro-activity: to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.
- Transparency: that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.
- Education: that raises awareness about the realities that homeless animals face in the community and across the nations, providing a forum for people to get involved in effecting change. Promotes and support reasonable pet ownership.
- Sustainability: through financial management practices that maximize the impact and reach of our resources and endure that PAWS Chicago will always be a resource for homeless animals.
- Compassion: towards all people and animals.
