Animal Caregiver

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation’s leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.    

Job Summary

Responsible for providing a high standard of care and humane handling for all shelter animals and maintaining a safe and sanitary facility for animals and people. Ensures all animals’ nutrition, housing, enrichment, and other care needs are met daily.  

The Role: What You’ll Do

• Clean, disinfect, and maintain all animal housing spaces on a daily and continuous basis, adhering to HRA Standard Operating Procedures and protocols for animal care, kennel maintenance, sanitation, parasite and disease control, and other animal care practices  
• Provide appropriate diet, clean water, and enrichment to all animals according to SOPs and as directed by management and medical personnel 
• Monitor animals’ health and behaviors and record observations at least daily according to SOP. Report signs of illness and behavior concerns as directed to appropriate personnel. 
• Monitor daily laundry washing, folding, and stocking
• Bathe and clean animals on a regular schedule or immediately if they become soiled.
• Work alongside volunteers to complete tasks given for the betterment of the animals in care
• Record clear and concise notes regarding animal behavior and care in PetPoint
• Move animals around the facility as directed by the animal care management team and ensure that all animal locations and stages are correctly entered into PetPoint
• Keep all animal areas stocked with food, litter, cleaning supplies, and other essential items, informing Managers when items need replenishment or repair 
• Put away deliveries and donations of animal care and cleaning supplies throughout the day as they are delivered  
• Maintain the cleanliness of common and public areas assigned to the Animal Care team  
• Provide guidance and assistance to HRA volunteers and community service workers 
• Read HRA email daily, responding promptly when appropriate 
• Report maintenance/repair issues to the animal care department management 
• Any other duties as assigned by Animal Care Managers and the Director of Animal Care.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, standing, squatting, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work.  
• Due to the nature of shelter work,maybe exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; allergens; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures. 

About You: Skills & Qualifications

• Willingness to work with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and birds 
• Fear Free Certified or the ability to get Fear Free certified within 3 months of employment 
• Must have open availability and a flexible schedule 
• Proficient in the use of email and navigating basic software needed 
• Computer and phone literacy skills
• Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout all aspects of the position, always maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions 
• Ability to work in a team environment and follow directions 
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive, professional manner.  
• Passion for the Humane Rescue Alliance mission, for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgement or bias.

Qualifications – Education & Experience

• Minimum of 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED
• Basic familiarity with computers, MSWord, MS Outlook, and Microsoft Office.

Benefits Overview: Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

At the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees so they can continue making a meaningful impact for animals and the community. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable  
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs  
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future  
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges  
• Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses  
• Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth  
• Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs  
• Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings  

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing. 

 HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.