Relief Animal Caretaker
$20 - $25/hr
Entry
Bachelor's, Associate's
Palm City, FL, USA
In PersonOn-site at the Sanctuary in Palm City, Florida; work is expected Friday through Sunday, up to 30 hours.
Medical, Clinical & VeterinaryVeterinary Professionals
About the job
Requirements
- A high school diploma or equivalent experience is required.
- A licensed Animal Care Technician credential or equivalent experience is strongly desired but not required.
- General knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and care is important, and equine experience is required.
- Bird-care and dog-kennel experience are desired.
- Proven knowledge and experience safely implementing care-related animal husbandry best practices for all species residing at the Sanctuary.
- Ability to assess whether animals are alert and responsive or behaving normally, and to take temperature, pulse, and respiration rate.
- Ability to administer medications by mouth or injection, provide eye and nasal medications, clean wounds, and change bandages.
- Ability to compare vital signs with previous assessments, report significant differences, and perform cursory physical examinations to assess general health, including teeth condition.
- Basic maintenance skills and ability to troubleshoot property issues before they become major problems.
- Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful or emergency situations.
- Ability to prioritize workload and needs effectively.
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of people in different situations.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and handle confidential information with discretion.
- Sound judgment and ability to problem-solve quickly and independently.
- Ability to collaborate effectively and work as part of a team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook for email and scheduling and Excel for record keeping.
- Ability to learn new technology and enter and track information in a database.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and carry 30 pounds as needed, and to bend, lift, push, pull, stoop, kneel, reach, and perform manual-dexterity tasks.
- Normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with staff, volunteers, vendors, and animals.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- May be required to submit to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- May require immunization against Hepatitis A and B, rabies, and tetanus.
- Possible exposure to animal hazards, including dog bites and zoonotic diseases.
Responsibilities
- Provide animals with appropriate quantities and quality of food and water daily.
- Groom, bathe, and exercise animals and provide appropriate enrichment.
- Monitor animals for changes in eating, drinking, health, behavior, or temperament, and report concerns to the Sanctuary Director.
- Follow veterinary care instructions and recommendations.
- Minimize stress and disease risk by following best practices for animal housing and care.
- Clean, disinfect, and maintain kennels, cages, stalls, and other Sanctuary areas under established disease-control protocols.
- Provide basic first aid for minor animal wounds according to onsite Horse Care SOPs, Bird Care SOPs, and Kennel Protocols.
- Maintain detailed records of each animal’s daily husbandry and medical care.
- Regularly walk the property and monitor for issues requiring attention.
- Perform routine maintenance, including clearing brush, mending fences, and shoveling manure.
- Keep leadership informed about on-site work, flag issues, and communicate decisions needed, particularly where animal health or welfare may be affected.
- Keep the facility stocked with necessary inventory and inform management when supplies are low.
- Maintain a safe work environment, follow safety guidelines, model safe practices, and promptly address safety issues.
- Ensure the Sanctuary facility meets American Humane Certified Animal Welfare Standards applicable to species residing temporarily or permanently at the property.
- Work on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for up to 30 hours, with schedule and hours per day flexible.
- Adhere to organizational policies and model American Humane Society’s core values.
Desired Qualifications
- An associate’s or bachelor’s-level degree in animal science, biological sciences, or another relevant field is preferred.
- Bird-care and dog-kennel experience are desired.
- A licensed Animal Care Technician credential or equivalent experience is strongly desired but not required.
About the company
American Humane helps protect children, pets, and farm animals from abuse and neglect through research, education, training, and services delivered by a national network. It studies human-animal interaction and uses what it learns to guide programs, policies, and outreach. It stands out with a long history since 1877, broad reach, and a dual focus on child and animal welfare across many organizations. Its goal is to safeguard the well-being of both people and animals and promote humane treatment and understanding in society.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Founded
1877
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- PAACO certified its broiler standards on October 15, 2025, validating the farm program.
- The May 27, 2026 Frontier partnership drives donations and consumer traffic to certifications.
- Dr. Erin Meyer’s 2026 program leadership strengthens standards, science, and partnership execution.
What critics are saying
- Stephanie Branscomb sued on January 30, 2026 for unpaid overtime, damaging employer credibility.
- PETA’s FTC complaint keeps American Humane exposed to greenwashing-style scrutiny and regulator attention.
- A credibility collapse would cripple certification licensing and end animal-welfare trust within months.
What makes American Humane unique
- American Humane’s certification standards are public, species-specific, and independently audited.
- Its 2026 Frontier sweepstakes monetizes certification brands across zoos, aquariums, and travel partners.
- Board chair John Payne donated $1 million on January 12, 2026, signaling committed backing.
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Benefits
- Hybrid Work Options
- Remote Work Options