Animal Care Attendant I, (B272931-5), 203, Animal Control

The Animal Care Attendant I is responsible for providing basic care and sanitation for the animals housed at the shelter. Primary duties include feeding animals, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting kennels and common areas, observing animals for signs of illness or distress, and reporting any concerns to appropriate personnel providing maintenance vaccinations and assign medication. This position requires the ability to work in physically demanding conditions, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to animal welfare. The worker is expected to follow established shelter procedures and work cooperatively with the team to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all animals. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• The primary responsibility that occupies the greatest portion of time each year is the thorough cleaning and disinfection of all shelter kennels, in strict accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This ensures a safe, sanitary environment for all animals.
• Routinely observes the appearance, posture, health and behavior of each animal to assess overall physical condition and detect early signs of illness, injury, stress, or discomfort.
• Ensures timely reporting to appropriate staff to support prompt intervention and maintain optimal animal welfare. 
• Determines the appropriate type and quantity of food for each animal by evaluating species, age, weight, medical conditions, activity level, and any special dietary requirements. This responsibility requires a basic understanding of animal nutrition and the ability to follow veterinary guidance and shelter protocols.
• The Animal Care Specialist I ensures that all animals receive balanced diets that support recovery, development, and overall health. The role also involves maintaining accurate feeding records, monitoring daily intake, and promptly reporting any changes in appetite or feeding behavior that may indicate underlying health concerns. 
• Safely controls and handles animals as needed, including those that are fearful, aggressive, or otherwise difficult to manage.
• Utilizes appropriate handling techniques and safety equipment to minimize stress and prevent injury to both the animal and staff.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize signs of agitation, fear, or aggression, and applies proper restraint methods in accordance with training and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain a calm, confident demeanor while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the animal, staff and the public.
• Coordinates with supervisory or veterinary staff when additional assistance or specialized handling is required.
• Performs through cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of all equipment and tools used in daily kennel operations. 
• Ensures that all items- such as cleaning implements, feeding bowls, leashes, transport crates, and grooming tools- are properly sanitized after each use to prevent cross- contamination and maintain a safe, hygienic environment for both animals and staff.
• Conducts routine inspections to identify wear or malfunction, reports damaged equipment promptly, and follow standard operation procedures (SOPs) for proper handling, storage, and disposal.
• Maintains compliance with health and safety regulations, contributing to overall biosecurity and operational efficiency in the shelter.
• Walks dogs’ multiple times throughout the day to ensure they receive adequate physical exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities for socialization and assisting public throughout the adoption process. This routine supports the animal’s physical health, helps reduce anxiety and stress associated with the shelter environment, and improves overall behavior and adoptability.
• Each walk is conducted with attention to the dog’s individual temperament, energy level, and any medical or behavioral considerations.
• Proper handling techniques and safety protocols are followed at all times to ensure the well-being of both the animal and the handler.
• Assisting in any area of the facility as needed, adapting to emerging priorities, and providing support during emergencies, special events, or staffing shortages.
• Tasks may vary based on operational needs and can involve collaboration with other departments, supporting public services, or stepping into different roles to ensure the continuity and quality of animal care and shelter maintenance.
• Flexibility, a team-oriented mindset, and a proactive attitude are essential for carrying out these responsibilities effectively.    
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of biosecurity and proper cleaning and disinfection protocols in animal care environments.
• Knowledge of basic animal health indicators, including normal and abnormal behavior, posture, appetite, and physical conditions.
• Knowledge of basic animal nutrition: Understanding the nutritional needs of different species, life stages (puppies, adults, seniors), and health conditions to ensure appropriate diet selection. 
• Knowledge of animal behavior awareness: Basic understanding of canine and feline behavior to identify signs of fear, aggression, stress, or illness that may affect handling safety.
• Knowledge of safe handling techniques: Ability to use proper techniques and equipment (e.g., slip leads, catch poles, muzzles) to restrain and manage animals safely and humanely, minimizing risk to both the animal and staff.
• Knowledge of SOPs and safety protocols: Familiarity with organizational protocols related to animal restrain, handler safety, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Knowledge of proper cleaning and disinfection protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in an animal care environment.
• Knowledge of chemical handling and safety, including proper dilution, labeling, storage, and disposal of cleaning agents.
• Knowledge of different types of tools and equipment used in kennel operations (e.g., mops, buckets, feeding bowls, leashes, disinfectants) and their specific maintenance requirements.
•  Knowledge of behavioral awareness: Knowledge of basic canine body language and behavior to anticipate stress signals, signs of fear, or aggression, ensuring safe and effective interactions.
• Knowledge of empathy and patience: A calm and compassionate approach when working with anxious or high- energy animals, contributing to their emotional well-being and socialization. 

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to report findings to supervisors or veterinary staff. 
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and patience: A calm and compassionate approach when working with anxious or high- energy animals, contributing to their emotional well-being and socialization. 
• Ability to maintain physical stamina and coordination: sufficient strength, coordination, and agility to manage animals of various sizes and temperaments, sometimes under physically demanding conditions.
• Ability to detect subtle changes in animal behavior or appearance, understanding species specific behavior to recognize signs of stress, fear, or aggression.
• Ability to accurately measure food portions based on weight, age, and dietary requirements, minimizing risks of overfeeding or malnutrition.
• Ability to follow Veterinary and SOP guidelines: Must be able to understand and apply feeding instruction provided by veterinarians or outlined in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
• Ability to maintain accurate logs of feeding schedules, dietary changes, and any observation related to animal health and food intake.
• Ability to asses client needs, develop care plans, and coordinate multiple services.
• Ability to monitor animals’ appetite, weight changes, and feeding behavior, and promptly reporting irregularities to supervisory and veterinary staff.
• Ability to maintain composer under pressure and demonstrate confidence and patience when handling distressed or aggressive animals.
• Ability to ensure through sanitation and early detection of wear, damage, in tools or equipment.
• Ability to safely walk and manage dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and strength levels, using approved leash techniques and safety equipment.
• Ability to maintain sufficient stamina and physical capability to walk dogs several times a day under different weather and shelter conditions. 
• Ability to schedule and rotate exercise times efficiently to ensure all dogs receive adequate attention.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Never

Seldom

• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

Frequently

Often

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Seldom

Sometimes

Frequently

Often

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel

Sometimes:

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• High School diploma or G.E.D 

(Experience in Animal welfare handling, preferred) 

Foreign Education: 

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.