We have two positions available. One is in the kennel working with the dogs and one in the cat rooms. Both are part-time positions, possibly leading to full-time. Please e-mail or call if you have an interest or pass it along to anyone you know who may be interested to work with animals. The specifics are at the end of this post. We are looking for team members. Our team is improving everyday.
We have gone through some recent changes in staff. The staffing of an animal shelter is historically an ongoing, evolving process. I always tell the young staff members that I do not expect them to stay here for an extremely long period of time. Two to three years is the average. I do expect the staff to learn as much as they can by working with the animals and our customers. I hope they develop skills to apply to other careers they will have in their lifetime. The animals have so much to teach us and I hope we can contribute to the staff's lives and futures just as contribute to the lives of the dogs, cats and adopters. For example, I hope that teenagers who are beginning their first job not only learn how to do the manual labor necessary to care for the dogs and cats, but they develop better communication skills by interacting with their co-workers and our customers. Most importantly, I expect our staff to love, respect and care for the animals to the best of their ability.
We don't always work under the best circumstances or with the most cooperative of residents. Similar to health care professionals or law enforcement (sort of)......ours just have four legs. We get bite cases who are not always as predictable as they could be. Medical cases with mange, parvo, trauma, heartworms and much more. Behavior is one of the most common problems. People buy or adopt puppies and spoil them instead of teaching them manners and socializing them with other dogs, cats and people. Then when the teenage dog is out of control, we get them. Unsocialized cats or cats traumatized from being left behind and thrown outside when they have always been an indoor cat are plentiful. Such a sad situation for so many cats who don't deserve the neglect they suffer. So many people think they are disposable.
We develop skills to interact with the people who come in to adopt a dog or cat from us. We deveop skills to interact with the people who come in to surrender their animals. That is always the most difficult, emotionally. You are either totally angry because the person gives the impression they don't even care about their pet and they can just turn around and walk out, or they care so much that they are crying and so upset. The circumstances of life have made it impossible for them to keep their pet Either way, I am usually crying long after the people leave. But, we always remember the animals are our priority and we must do what is in their best interest. At least I know they are safe and taken care of when they are with us. That I am grateful for.
We wish you a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!!
Here are the particulars of the positions we currently have available:
Part Time - Weekends and possibly fill-in during the week. Experience working with cats and/or dogs is helpful but will train the right person. Grooming experience a plus but not necessary.
Duties include: Cleaning dog kennels and/or cat cages, litter boxes, food and water dishes, mopping floors, doing laundry and preparing for customers to meet the animals in a clean environment. Ability to learn to recognize symptoms of illness and report to vet tech. Ability to communicate in order to assist customers to choose the right pet for their lifstyle. Ability to work as a team member. This work is rewarding, but it is not simple. There are protocals to follow to insure the health, welfare and safety of the animals we are caring for, as well as the staff . Must be dependable, punctual and willing to follow very basic dress code. Please send brief letter of introduction, resume and contact information. Appointments will be scheduled by telephone.
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