Animal Care and Program Support Associate

Animal Care & Program Support Associate (Full-Time)

Position Summary:

The Animal Care & Program Support Associate plays a key role in the daily care, enrichment, and wellbeing of animals at the Appalachian Highlands Humane Society (AHHS). This position ensures a clean, safe, and enriching environment for animals, supports intake, foster, and other program functions, and assists with administrative and operational duties as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Animal Care:

• Clean and maintain kennels, cat condos, and all animal living areas daily, following safety protocols.
• Take dogs out as directed.
• Feed and provide fresh water to animals in accordance with feeding protocols.
• Administer oral or topical medications as directed and accurately record all doses.
• Monitor animals for signs of illness or distress and report any health concerns to the Director.
• Ensure all kennels and cages are clean and well-stocked with bedding, toys, and enrichment items.
• Clean and disinfect litter pans, food/water bowls, carriers, and Kongs; reload and store Kongs in the freezer.
• Scoop litter boxes and change litter and bedding as needed.
• Wash, dry, fold, and properly store laundry; maintain a clean and organized laundry area.
• Empty all trash, including in offices, bathrooms, and animal areas at the end of each shift.
• Maintain facility cleanliness by sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and putting away donations.
• Follow all safety procedures when handling chemicals and cleaning supplies.

Animal Enrichment:

• Participate in and support the implementation of enrichment programs, including mental and physical stimulation activities for dogs and cats.
• Use enrichment tools and techniques (e.g., toys, treats, scent work) to promote animal well-being.
• Track enrichment activities and communicate individual animal needs or preferences to the Director.
• Assist with doggie day outs, playgroups, and supervised social time as directed.

Program & Administrative Support:

• Assist with animal intakes following established procedures and as directed.
• Update and maintain animal logs as directed.
• Complete appropriate adoption and foster placement paperwork as instructed.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Answer phones and emails promptly and professionally as directed.
• Greet and assist visitors, clients, and team members in a friendly and respectful manner.
• Assist with outreach and off-site community events as directed.
• Transport animals to appointments and perform errands as assigned.

Program Support:

• Assist appropriate individuals with special projects and upcoming needs related to program support.
• Maintain an organized pet food room, keeping pantry items separate from in-house and foster supplies.

Other Duties:

• Assist with special projects as assigned by the Director.
• Represent the Appalachian Highlands Humane Society in a professional and positive manner at all times.
• Perform any additional duties necessary to support the mission and daily operations of the shelter.

Team Culture:

• We foster a collaborative, respectful, and mission-driven team culture where communication, accountability, and compassion are highly valued.
• All staff are expected to take initiative, support one another, and contribute to a positive, solution-focused environment.

Qualifications:

• Experience in animal care, shelter operations, or customer service preferred.
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to safely and compassionately handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments and medical conditions.
• Comfort with physical work including lifting, walking, and cleaning in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and attend off-site events when needed.

Work Schedule

• Flexible availability required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.