Benefits:- Employee discounts
- Paid time off
Kennel TechnicianAnimal HopeFort Worth, TX | Full-Time (2 Positions Available)Reports To: Shelter Manager
About Animal Hope
We are a dedicated animal rescue shelter in Fort Worth focused on lifesaving through our transfer program. Our primary intakes come from other shelters, and we provide compassionate daily care, health monitoring, behavioral support, enrichment, and preparation for each animal’s next step—adoption, foster, or further placement. Our small team works hard to give every animal the safety, dignity, and individualized attention they need during their time with us.
Position Summary
We are hiring
two Kennel Technicians for our daily animal care team. In this hands-on role, you will provide excellent husbandry, enrichment, and monitoring for shelter animals while working closely with your fellow Kennel Technician. You will document behavioral observations, administer medications as directed, communicate health and behavior needs to management, and help maintain a clean, safe, and enriching environment. This is meaningful rescue work that directly supports animals transitioning through our program.
This position is physically active and ideal for someone who is reliable, detail-oriented, compassionate, and thrives in a collaborative small-team setting.
Key Responsibilities
Daily Animal Care & Husbandry
- Feed, water, and monitor food/water intake and appetite for all animals according to established protocols and individual needs.
- Provide safe, low-stress handling and care for dogs and cats of varying ages, sizes, and temperaments (including animals arriving via transfer who may be stressed or fearful).
- Assist with settling new transfer arrivals and supporting intake processes as needed.
Health Monitoring, Documentation & Communication
- Closely observe animals for changes in health, behavior, appetite, energy, or signs of illness, injury, or stress.
- Maintain accurate, detailed daily behavioral notes and care records.
- Promptly communicate any concerns or significant observations to management to support timely care decisions and successful placements.
Medication Administration
- Administer medications (oral, topical, etc.) exactly as directed by veterinary staff or management.
- Record all medications given with accuracy and timeliness.
Animal Enrichment & Well-Being
- Provide daily enrichment activities tailored to individual animals to support mental and physical health (toys, puzzle feeders, scent enrichment, appropriate exercise/play, and positive human interaction).
- Help create a low-stress, positive environment that aids animals recovering from or adjusting after transfer.
Sanitation, Facility Maintenance & Biosecurity
- Thoroughly clean, disinfect, and sanitize all kennels, cages, play areas, dishes, bedding, and common spaces following strict disease-prevention and biosecurity protocols.
- Manage laundry, dishes, waste disposal (per biohazard guidelines), and restocking of supplies to maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization.
Teamwork & Shelter Operations
- Work closely and collaboratively with the other Kennel Technician to coordinate daily tasks, ensure consistent coverage, and maintain smooth care routines.
- Support overall shelter operations, including minor facility upkeep related to animal areas and following all safety, animal welfare, and organizational policies.
- Maintain a professional, compassionate, and team-oriented approach at all times.
Qualifications
Required
- Genuine passion for animal welfare and compassion for animals from diverse backgrounds and situations.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work: regularly lift/carry up to 50 lbs (with assistance for heavier items), stand and walk for extended periods, bend, stoop, reach, and work in environments with noise, odors, cleaning chemicals, and potential allergens.
- Strong attention to detail, reliability, punctuality, and ability to follow detailed protocols consistently.
- Good observational skills plus clear written and verbal communication for documentation and reporting concerns.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively as part of a small two-person kennel team.
- Flexible with scheduling, including weekends, holidays, and early/late shifts as needed for proper animal care.
- Basic computer skills for record-keeping and data entry.
- Must successfully pass a background check and drug screening.
Preferred
- Previous hands-on experience in an animal shelter, rescue, veterinary clinic, boarding facility, or similar role.
- Familiarity with animal behavior observation, low-stress handling techniques, or common shelter diseases and biosecurity protocols.
- Experience working with dogs and cats, especially stressed, fearful, or recently transported animals.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
This is an active, on-your-feet position in a dynamic shelter environment. Daily work involves direct animal handling (including potentially stressed or energetic animals from transfers), regular exposure to animal waste, cleaning agents, barking/noise, and allergens. Outdoor work may be required depending on your facility. We provide training on all protocols, safety procedures, and low-stress handling. Animal care is a 7-day operation, so weekend and holiday work is required on a rotating or scheduled basis.
Why Join Our Team?
- Make a tangible daily difference in the lives of animals as they move through our rescue/transfer program.
- Work in a small, supportive team environment where your observations, care, and documentation directly impact animal outcomes.
- Gain hands-on experience in shelter animal care, behavioral documentation, enrichment, medication administration, and rescue operations.
- Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on compassion and lifesaving.
- [Insert benefits summary here, e.g., competitive pay, paid time off, health benefits if offered, professional development opportunities, or employee pet adoption perks.]
Compensation
Competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience
We review applications on a rolling basis and are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team that shares our passion for animal welfare. No phone calls, please.