Animal Care & Enrichment Specialist

Join Our Pack & Pride as an Animal Care & Enrichment Specialist

Hourly Rate: Starting at $17.00+ based on experience | Excellent Benefits

Do you light up at the swish of a happy cat tail and the thump-thump-thump of an excited dog? Does turning “just another day” into a second chance for a homeless pet make your heart race—in the best possible way? If so, the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) wants you on our team.

Why HSSC

At HSSC, we’re more than just a shelter—we’re a community fueled by compassion, innovation, and high-quality care. For more than 70 years we’ve been Sarasota County’s trusted animal shelter, pairing lifesaving programs with a people-first culture that supports the staff and volunteers who make the magic happen.

We provide compassionate care for over 2,000 cats and dogs each year, plus another 2,000 felines through our community cat program, investing every donor dollar back into their rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. By fostering collaboration, expanding volunteer-powered initiatives, and sharing expertise statewide, we’re building a No-Kill Florida—one wag, one purr, and one adoption at a time.

Benefits That Matter:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance fully covered
• Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with up to 3% employer match
• 3+ Weeks of PTO starting to accrue from day one of employment
• FSA and Supplemental Insurance for added peace of mind
• Employee Discounts on retail and medical care for your own pets
• And much more!

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Purpose-Driven Work. Every kennel you scrub, litter box you refresh, enrichment puzzle you prep, and gentle chin scratch you offer moves an animal closer to a forever home.
• Dog Walks & Cat Chats. From twice-daily leash walks and energy-burning playgroups for our canines to confidence-building enrichment sessions with whiskered friends, your days will be equal parts wag and purr.
• Positive, People-First Culture. We lead collaboratively, build positivity, communicate intentionally, nurture ourselves, and transform continuously—because caring for animals starts with caring for each other.
• Growth on Day One. Whether you’re new to sheltering or already Fear-Free certified, we’ll meet you where you are and help you advance (Animal Care Specialist I, II, III) through on-the-job training, mentorship, and cross-department learning.

What the Day Really Looks Like

• Move & Groove. You’ll be on your feet—bending, lifting (up to 50lbs), and zipping between dog runs and cat condos—so your fitness tracker will love you.
• Weather the Weather. Sarasota heat, surprise rain, a chorus of meows and barks—our shelter is equal parts indoor hub and outdoor playground.
• Big Emotions, Bigger Rewards. Caring for sick and scared animals can tug at the heart, but the wagging tails, contented purrs, and adoption send-offs refill your cup every time.
• Health & Safety Front-of-Mind. Daily exposure to animal dander, common food allergens, cleaning agents, and the potential for zoonotic diseases is part of shelter life—so we provide PPE, thorough protocols, and ongoing training to keep everyone safe.

You’re a Perfect Fit If You…

• Live our mission. You share HSSC’s volunteer-centered culture and a deep compassion for both dogs and cats.
• Handle with care. You can (or are eager to learn to) read body language and safely manage animals of any size or temperament.
• Stay active. Standing, bending, walking, and lifting up to 50lbs—indoors and out—fits your day-to-day rhythm.
• Keep your cool. You bring emotional resilience and professionalism to tough moments, including humane euthanasia.
• Juggle & connect. Multitasking (feeding, walks, playgroups, cleaning, records) and respectful communication with teams, volunteers, and the public are your strengths.
• Come prepared. Fear-Free certification (or willingness to earn), basic tech/shelter-software skills, reliable transportation, punctuality, and a HS diploma/GED (or equivalent experience).

The Nuts & Bolts

• 40 hours per week; weekend and holiday shifts are part of the gig, worked holiday's pay 1.5x
• Hourly pay $17, $18, or $19 based on experience and demonstrated skills.
• Full PPE, Fear-Free certification support, and plentiful professional development.
• Reliable transportation required; high-school diploma or GED preferred.

Ready to Run & Purr with Us?

Turn your passion into a career that changes tails—and lives—every single day.

Together, we save lives!

HSSC is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and the community we serve.