WHITMAN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
P.O. Box 453
Pullman, Washington 99163
509 332-3422/509-332-2246
www.WhitmanPets.org
The Whitman County Humane Society, a no-kill facility located in Pullman, WA, is
seeking an experienced part-time animal care attendant to help care for over 500 animals
annually. Pullman, WA is home to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching
Hospital.
ANIMAL CARE ATTENDANT/ADOPTION COUNSELOR
JOB DESCRIPTION
Date of last modification: September 12, 2011
Responsibilities include:
To work in concert with the Shelter Director and WCHS Board of Directors in order to
fulfill the mission of the organization and provide for the welfare and care of animals in
our charge..
To assist in the supervision and management of the daily operations of the WCHS
animal shelter/animal adoption facility, to ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently
in accordance with established procedures, policies, city ordinances, state & federal laws
& regulations. Must ensure facility is maintained in a sanitary and safe fashion to protect
the health of the animals, staff and visitors.
To ensure biosecurity and containment is maintained in the animal shelter facility to
protect the health of both animals and people. This would include following proper
quarantine and isolation procedures for animals suspected of having contagious,
infectious and/or zoonotic diseases, providing proper disinfectants, cleaning utensils, and
personnel protective equipment to prevent spread and further infections, seeking advice
and guidance from veterinary and public health officials when animals are suspected of
having diseases which may be a public health concern. Interpret fecal samples, assist
veterinarian with exams, vaccinations and blood collection. Perform FeLV and FIV tests.
To supervise both paid and non-paid shelter staff on a daily basis. This includes training,
supervising, assist with performance evaluations, and continuing education. Candidate
must be willing and able to work outside of normal shift hours to provide back-up care
for animals if required.
To ensure animals in our charge are cared for daily to include proper feeding, watering,
shelter and monitoring for signs of disease, injuries and abnormal behavior and to
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maintain all animals in a clean comfortable living environment. To provide for all
animal’s physical and emotional needs.
To provide proper socialization and training of WCHS animals to increase their
adoptability. Training and socializing practices are to be in accordance with accepted
humane handling techniques and advice from WCHS-approved animal behavior
specialists.
To survey all animals on a regular basis for signs of stress, illness, injury, aggressive
tendencies (either towards humans or other animals) and abnormal behaviors. Must work
cooperatively and professionally with WCHS-approved veterinary staff and City of
Pullman animal control/law enforcement personnel to ensure animals are provided proper
medical and handling care. Must report any significant physical, behavioral or emotional
issues regarding shelter animals to the Shelter Director.
To promote and facilitate adoption of all WCHS animals. This includes providing
excellent customer service to all visitors and those contacting the shelter, providing
accurate information about adoptable animals, insuring web-based list (PetFinder) of
adoptable animals is kept up-to-date, reviewing all adoption agreements and animal
records for accuracy and completeness prior to release of animal, reviewing adoption
policy on a regular basis so it keeps to the mission, goals and practices of the WCHS.
Also includes working with recognized, professional breed rescue groups and other
humane organizations on possible transfer of certain animals in order to increase chances
of placement with responsible qualified owners.
Work cooperatively with WCHS-approved veterinary hospitals to ensure all adoptable
animals are sterilized in accordance with WCHS policy. This includes making
appointments, providing safe transportation to and from surgical facility, providing postsurgical monitoring and minor first aid to sterilized animals, reporting any post-surgery
complications to veterinary staff in an expedient manner. All major, serious wounds
and/or clinical signs of disease require hands-on evaluation by a licensed veterinarian
and/or certified/licensed veterinary technician. All veterinary exams, diagnosis, and
treatments are to be documented in the animal’s medical record.
To ensure proper maintenance of shelter facility to keep it a safe and clean environment
for animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This includes facilitating regular maintenance
of HVAC, fire protection, water/plumbing, telecommunications and physical plant
systems for the building & grounds. Also includes ensuring all equipment used in the
operations of the shelter facility is maintained in proper, safe working order. May be
required to perform minor repairs of facility and equipment.
To maintain accurate and complete records for WCHS animals, staff, volunteers, foster
and training programs, adoptions, training and education programs, safety policies, and
facility maintenance as required by WCHS policies, directives by the board of directors,
City contracts/ordinances and state and federal laws. Must be able to word process and
use common PC software programs. Must be able to utilize the internet and electronic
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mail to communicate and gain information pertaining to WCHS and shelter business.
Must be able to use telephone, facsimile machine, as well as other common office
equipment.
To communicate effectively with the public, board of directors, WCHS administrative
staff, government officials, veterinary, animal care and behavioral professionals, media,
college students and faculty, members and donors etc.
To work cooperatively with WCHS Administrative Manager on training and education
programs, foster program, and volunteer program.
Minimum qualifications include:
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Previous shelter experience working with all types and breeds of small animals
Working knowledge of vaccine protocols, proper animal handling skills, and
common disease symptoms and knowledge of animal behavior and training.
Positive attitude, with excellent customer service skills
Willingness to be a team player and collaborate with medical staff, vet students
and volunteers.
Flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays
Problem-solving skills and ability to work well with minimal supervision
A self-starter and the ability to work independently with little or no direct
supervision.
A strong work ethic and be able to multi-task effectively.
Dedication and compassion for the well-being of animals
Exceptional interpersonal skills, both written and verbal. Must be able to work
with various personalities and maintain tact and professionalism at all times. Must
be able to work effectively in a fast paced, emotionally charged environment.
Preferred qualifications:
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Experience with giving vaccinations, and implanting microchips
Knowledge and experience with general canine and breed specific behaviors, as
well as training dogs out of unwanted behaviors.
State or university work-study eligibility
Submit a resume and 3 references to: Shelter@whitmanpets.org or deliver them in
person to 1340 Old Moscow HWY Pullman, WA 99163
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