JOB TITLE: Animal Care Specialist, Adoptions
DEPARTMENT: Operations
REPORTS TO: Adoption Managers, Shelter Care
STATUS: Non-Exempt
All Specialists:
Master Associate-level responsibilitiesServe as subject matter resource in a specializationSupport training and mentorshipOperate with increased independenceDemonstrate advanced decision-makingCreating an inclusive and welcoming culture for volunteers, staff, and our community is an essential part of our work to support the human-animal bond, which is at the heart of what we do. As stated in our PETS Work Culture Agreement, we uphold Praise, Engagement, Trust and Support. We strive for excellence in all aspects of our mission from feeding hungry mouths to cultivating donors. We respect the variety of talents required to support our mission and we work together to accomplish this. We support and protect self-care managed by each individual in recognition that our work is endless, but impactful.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSUphold the PETS work culture agreement through Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support.Engage in continued education in animal careGuide and train Associates when needed.Be well versed in Animal Care Associate position.Provide daily cleaning, feeding, and husbandry tasks as requiredAssists guests and potential adopters with meeting animalsMatchmake to support Open AdoptionsComplete adoptions for all species of animals that are placeable through Anti-Cruelty's adoption centerSupport and manage off-site Adoption EventsConduct follow up calls or emails with adopters as assignedHigh school diploma or GED required.
Please see Shelter Care Advancement Criteria.
Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individuals
Available to work an extended schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays according to demands of the role. Respect for animals and belief in the mission of The Anti-Cruelty Society.
The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.
Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.
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Read LessJOB TITLE: Medical Director
DEPARTMENT: Veterinary Services
REPORTS TO: Director of Clinic Services
STATUS: Exempt
The Medical Director provides strategic and medical leadership for all veterinary programs at Anti-Cruelty, ensuring exceptional medical care for shelter animals while advancing innovative, progressive shelter medicine practices.
This leader is responsible for developing a medical program that supports outstanding animal welfare outcomes through timely, evidence-based care, reduced length of stay, and increased live release. The Medical Director partners closely with Operations leadership to remove medical barriers to adoption, expand access to care, strengthen community impact, and continue building Anti-Cruelty's High-Quality High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) program into a regional leader.
The Medical Director fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and compassionate leadership while ensuring compliance with Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) Guidelines, applicable veterinary regulations, and organizational standards.
Success in this role is measured not only by excellent medical care, but by how effectively medical strategy helps more animals reach positive outcomes sooner.
Demonstrated expertise in shelter medicine, population health, high-quality high-volume spay/neuter, progressive animal welfare practices, veterinary leadership, coaching, data-informed decision making, and collaborative problem solving.
EDUCATION & LICENSUREDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) from an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine. Current Illinois veterinary license, or ability to obtain prior to employment. DEA license, or ability to obtain.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCEFive or more years of veterinary practice, preferably including shelter medicine.Leadership experience supervising veterinarians and veterinary teams.Experience with HQHVSN programs and population medicine.Experience leading organizational change, quality improvement, or operational innovation.Familiarity with shelter management software and veterinary electronic medical records.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSAbility to safely handle companion animals.Ability to stand for extended periods.Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.Ability to work in an open-office environment.Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.Available to work an extended schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays according to demands of the role and tasks.
The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.
Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer
THE ANTI-CRUELTY SOCIETY
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Rehabilitation & Nursery Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Shelter Care
REPORTS TO: Shelter Cat Care Manager
STATUS: Non-Exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY
Assist the veterinarian with exams and take care of the everyday needs of cats in rehabilitation and nursery.
High school diploma or GED preferred.
Minimum of one year of experience working in this field or related field preferred.
Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individuals
Ability to handle work around and physically restrain companion animals.
Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
Available to work an extended schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings and holidays according to demands of the role. Respect for animals and belief in the mission of The Anti-Cruelty Society.
The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.
Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: ______________________________________________
ANTI-CRUELTY JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:Animal Care Associate
DEPARTMENT:Operations
REPORTS TO:Operations Manager, Shelter Care
STATUS:Non-Exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Animal Care Associate provides essential daily care to shelter animals while maintaining a safe, sanitary, and low-stress environment in alignment with established protocols and best practices.
This role serves as the foundation of Shelter Care operations, ensuring animals receive consistent husbandry, enrichment, and monitoring while supporting positive experiences for adopters, volunteers, and staff.
Creating an inclusive and welcoming culture is central to our work. As outlined in our PETS Work Culture Agreement, we uphold Praise, Engagement, Trust, and Support in all interactions.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Uphold the PETS Work Culture Agreement Follow Fear Free and Low-Stress Handling practices Provide daily care including feeding, watering, cleaning, and monitoring health Perform routine cleaning and disinfection per established protocols Provide basic enrichment and exercise to reduce stress Observe and report health or behavior concerns promptly Safely handle animals and seekassistancewhen needed Maintain clean, safe, and secure animal housing areas Assistwith adoption support, including: Engaging with adopters Sharing basic animal information Supporting post-adoption follow-up Capture photos/videos andassistwith animal profiles as needed Maintain a clean and organized work environment Support volunteers andnew staffwith guidance and modeling Attend required meetings andtrainings Perform other duties as assignedKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY
Ability to work independentlyand efficientlywith minimal supervision.Works effectively in a team environment.Ability tomultitaskwhile providing quality care in a fast paced andhigh-volumesetting.Effective communication skills.Maintains a neat and professional appearance.Compassion and empathy for both animals and owners.Comfortable in handling animals and making sound decisions based on safety. Abilityto remain calm in a busy or stressful situation. Ability to manageemotionalaspect of work in an animal welfare environment in a positive, professional manner.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or GEDrequired.1 year ofpreviousexperience in ananimal relatedfieldpreferred.Note: a comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide a level of knowledge, skills, and ability may qualify individuals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to work in all weather conditions.Ability to handle work aroundallcompanion animals. Ability to remain onfeetforlong periodsof time.Ability tolift upto 40 pounds.Ability tofrequentlybend, stoop and reach.Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles,fishand wildlife.Due tonatureof shelter work,maybe exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or iratepersons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.The job description is a guide to the essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Job descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization at the sole discretion of management.
Anti-Cruelty is an equal opportunity employer.
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