Job Description

The Animal Care Associate role is an exciting opportunity to play a key part in strengthening the human-animal bond at one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country.


The Animal Care Associate (ACA) is responsible for providing excellent care for the dogs and cats in our shelter and excellent customer service for our clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, thorough cleaning of animal enclosures, work areas and public spaces; preparing and distributing animal diets; and ongoing monitoring of the health and behavior of dogs and cats in our care.


East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. East Bay SPCA is one of the nation's oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about East Bay SPCA on our website at


Category: Full time; Non-exempt
Location: Oakland, CA
Reports to: Animal Care Lead and Shelter Supervisor/Shelter Manager
Benefits: Benefits: East Bay SPCA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and future of our employees. Medical and dental benefits are fully covered , along with optional vision coverage. Employees can plan for their future with a 401(K) Retirement Plan featuring a 3% company contribution , life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. The company also provides generous paid time off , starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours after 5 years, and 200 hours after 10 years, plus 80 paid holiday hours annually and an additional personal holiday after one year. Employees enjoy extra perks such as the Pets at Work Program, waived pet adoption fees, discounted veterinary care , behavior and training classes, up to $75/month public transit/vanpool commuter reimbursement, and various industry discounts, including Pet Food Express

• Perform daily animal care tasks for all shelter animals, including but not limited to: diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, potty breaking, and providing basic enrichment.
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of all shelter items and spaces, including litter boxes, crates, dishes, laundry, food storage, and outdoor areas.
• Complete routine housekeeping in public areas such as washing windows, dusting, polishing, sweeping, and mopping.
• Observe and document dog and cat behavior and health concerns, reporting abnormalities promptly to appropriate staff.
• Maintain accurate and organized animal records, both paper and electronic.
• Assist with photographing adoptable animals and writing engaging public profiles.
• Greet and assist customers, volunteers, and foster parents in a professional, friendly, and timely manner.
• Assist with training animal care and shelter care volunteers.
• Maintain consistent, reliable, and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Support marketing efforts at the Oakland adoption center by promoting programs and services, participating in special events, and soliciting donations.
• Inform and educate customers about responsible pet ownership and general animal care within the scope of East Bay SPCA guidelines.
• Collaborate with Customer Care Associates to introduce potential adopters to available animals and facilitate successful adoption matches
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and the mission.

• Animal care knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms, and handling techniques.
• Experience working with animals. Experience in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic desirable.
• Must be competent handling dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. Requires the ability to leash, walk, and maintain control over large and extra-large dogs, which can include dogs 90 pounds and over.
• Proven organization skills, as well as clear and effective communication skills with coworkers and others.
• Ability to think critically, multi-task, and succeed in a fast paced, emotionally charged, environment with a positive attitude while fostering empathy with clients and coworkers.
• Reliable transportation required. A valid CA driver's license and evidence of insurability desired.
• Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Shelter Buddy shelter software program advantageous.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening clearance required.
• High school graduate or equivalent.

• Work is primarily performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions.
• Weekend work required; must be willing to work occasional irregular hours and holidays.
• Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. Will occasionally handle sick, injured, and deceased animals.
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Animal waste contact, smells, and visual exposure are prevalent.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance. Must be able to push and/or pull over 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping.

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