Animal Care Specialist

Who We Are

ACC is one of NYC’s largest open-admission animal shelters, with a mission to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We care for nearly 20,000 animals each year and work to preserve the human-animal bond. With a 90% placement rate, ACC provides life-saving programs and services to place animals in loving homes.

We find homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits through direct adoptions and partnerships with more than 200 animal placement organizations. ACC also responds to animal emergencies, supports NYC communities and remains open 24/7 for people and animals in need.

Summary

The Animal Care Specialist provides high-quality care and a clean, healthy living environment for animals at ACC Care Centers. This role involves close interaction with animals and requires careful observation of their health, behavior and emotional needs. The specialist communicates important information to appropriate teams and helps create an environment that supports the physical and mental well-being of every animal.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Six months of animal care or custodial experience, or equivalent education in a related field, required.

• Treats animals, coworkers, volunteers and the public with respect.

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for 8 hours or more.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide daily animal care, including scheduled feedings, clean water, appropriate bedding and enrichment.

• Clean and sanitize kennels, wards, cages, equipment and assigned shelter areas according to ACC policies and procedures.

• Exercise and socialize animals regularly while following ACC dog-walking guidelines.

• Observe and document unusual behavior, illness or injuries.

• Communicate important animal health and behavior information to Medical, Behavior, Adoptions and New Hope departments.

• Safely restrain, confine and handle animals, including ill, injured, quarantined and aggressive animals.

• Follow ACC policies and common animal welfare practices.

• Work cooperatively with volunteers and placement partners.

• Assist with animal intakes as needed.

• Provide excellent customer service, including greeting visitors and providing information about animals and ACC services.

• Complete Fear Free Shelter certification within 30 days of hire.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional or volunteer animal handling experience preferred.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.

• Strong attention to detail, reliability and work ethic.

• Confident communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

• Flexible schedule and willingness to work overtime or modified schedules based on organizational needs and union seniority.

• Ability to interact with animals calmly and safely.

• Bilingual skills preferred but not required.

Work Environment

ACC is a hands-on, team-oriented workplace where employees may assist with outdoor tasks in varying weather conditions. The shelter can be noisy and stressful, with hundreds of animals housed at its facilities. Employees must remain calm and professional when dealing with animals and members of the public. The environment includes fur, odors and airborne particles.

Benefits

ACC offers a generous PTO package, including vacation, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay. Benefits include Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), pension and life insurance. Employees receive 2–4 weeks of on-the-job training, regular staff training in areas such as safety and DEI, cross-training and other growth opportunities.

As a nonprofit organization, ACC employees may also be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which may provide tax-free forgiveness of qualifying federal student loan debt after meeting program requirements.