Your Responsibilities:

• Maintain cleanliness of kennels, treatment areas, and equipment to ensure a hygienic environment for animals by following thorough cleaning procedures
• Safely handle and restrain dogs during examinations, grooming, feeding, and training activities using proper animal handling techniques
• Occasionally provide bathing and brushing to keep dogs clean and comfortable
• Support daily duties by feeding, walking, and engaging dogs in stimulating activities to promote mental and physical health
• Observe animal behavior closely to identify signs of stress or illness and report findings promptly to medical staff
• Heavy lifting of animals or supplies may be required; ensure proper safety protocols are followed at all times

Facility Care

• Follow established disease control protocols to daily clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter kennels, cages, and general areas both inside and outside.
• Wash and disinfect all dishes.
• Restock cleaning areas with supplies and equipment.
• Maintain equipment in working condition, report equipment or supply needs to team leader or Manager of Shelter Operations.
• Maintain work and general areas in an organized manner.

People Care

• Cultivate positive client, volunteer and coworker relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions.
• Practice and encourage the humane treatment of animals.
• Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff while actively promoting our mission, services, programs, and events.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers, recognizing the talent and commitment they bring to the Humane Society.

Safety

• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment for people and animals alike, following all safety guidelines, including PPE, and modeling safe work practice.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Available to work weekends, holiday shifts, and overtime as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
• Highly motivated, outgoing, and professional.
• Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi –task.
• Compassion for animals, comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place.
• Prior experience in dog training, pet grooming, or animal handling is highly desirable
• Veterinary technician or veterinary assistant experience is a strong plus
• Knowledge of animal restraint techniques and kennel experience is preferred
• Excellent customer service skills to communicate effectively with pet owners and team members
• Ability to perform heavy lifting safely when handling large dogs or equipment
• Passion for animal welfare with a positive attitude and energetic approach to daily tasks

Requirements

• Previous experience in pet care, veterinary assisting, kennel work, or animal handling is highly preferred
• Knowledge of pet training, veterinary procedures, or pet grooming is a plus, but not required
• Strong understanding of animal restraint techniques and safety protocols for handling dogs and the occasional small livestock
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and team members
• Ability to perform physical tasks including heavy lifting, standing, walking, and bending for extended periods
• Compassionate attitude towards animals with a genuine desire to improve their quality of life

The Humane Society of the Black Hills is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join our Cat Team, where your passion for feline care and animal handling will make a meaningful difference in the lives of cats in need! In this energetic role, you will provide compassionate pet care, assist with animal enrichment, and support all staff to ensure every cat and small animal receives the highest quality attention. Your enthusiasm and dedication will help create a safe, clean, and engaging environment for our furry friends while delivering exceptional customer service to pet owners and visitors alike. And coming this fall: Kitty City! When you join our Cat Team now, you’ll get to enjoy a brand new building alongside our cats and small animals by September 2026.

Full-time Benefits:

• Dental, Vision, and Life insurance paid for by the Humane Society.
• Employee discount on all things retail, adoption, microchipping, and more!
• Paid on-the-job training
• Paid time off (earn 3 hours every payday)
• Referral program
• Attendance bonuses
• A rewarding, meaningful work environment where you know you change lives.

Your Responsibilities

• Assist with feeding, cleaning, and maintaining hygienic living spaces for shelter cats and small animals (may include rabbits, rodents, reptiles, arachnids, and all else cute and small!)
• Handle cats safely using proper animal restraint techniques to ensure their comfort and safety. Participate in crucial stress and disease reduction efforts though compassionate handling and placement of animals in the shelter environment
• Support medical staff with basic animal handling and care tasks during medical procedures or check-ups. Be the eyes and ears for our shelter’s felines and report any medical concerns you observe
• Engage in enrichment activities such as playtime or socialization to promote feline well-being
• Perform heavy lifting when necessary to move supplies, equipment, or animals safely within the facility
• Provide adequate food and water to the shelter cats/kittens and small animals daily

Facility Care

• Follow established disease control protocols to daily clean, disinfect, and maintain shelter kennels, cages, and general areas both inside and outside.
• Wash and disinfect all dishes.
• Restock cleaning areas with supplies and equipment.
• Maintain equipment in working condition, report equipment or supply needs to team leader or Manager of Shelter Operations.
• Maintain work and general areas in an organized manner.

People Care

• Cultivate positive client, volunteer and coworker relations through professional, courteous, and educational interactions.
• Practice and encourage the humane treatment of animals.
• Provide quality customer service to clients, volunteers, and staff while actively promoting our mission, services, programs, and events.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers, recognizing the talent and commitment they bring to the Humane Society.

Safety

• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment for people and animals alike, following all safety guidelines, including PPE, and modeling safe work practice.
• Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a staff member, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a kennel/shelter setting and outdoors.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, climbing stairs, walking and standing on feet while performing job functions.
• Exposure to disinfectant solutions when cleaning (PPE provided).
• Exposure to various weather conditions when working outdoors.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodations.
• Consistently exposed to animals, animal allergens, loud noises, and odors under conditions with limited alterations available.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Available to work weekends, holiday shifts, and overtime as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
• Highly motivated, outgoing, and professional.
• Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi –task.
• Compassion for animals, comfortable working in the shelter environment and willing to accommodate animals in the work place.

Requirements

• Previous experience in pet care, veterinary assisting, kennel work, or animal handling is highly preferred
• Knowledge of pet training, veterinary procedures, or pet grooming is a plus, but not required
• Strong understanding of animal restraint techniques and safety protocols for handling cats and other small animals
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and team members
• Ability to perform physical tasks including heavy lifting, standing, walking, and bending for extended periods
• Compassionate attitude towards animals with a genuine desire to improve their quality of life

The Humane Society of the Black Hills is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Those selected for an initial interview will be contacted by our Human Resources department!