Animal Care Attendant

The Animal Care Attendant will assist in the transport and handling of Government Working Dogs (GWDs) during Veterinary procedures involving diagnostic imaging, surgery, medicine, rehabilitation, critical or general clinical care, or any combination of veterinary support work in support of various Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service (DODMWDVS) departments. The animal care attendant is primarily responsible for retrieval and return of patients to their kennel location, providing for restraint for veterinary exams and procedures, as well as other comprehensive care requirements for GWDs

• Aide in the examination, evaluation, and vaccination of canines. This incorporates the handling of the dog in pre- and post-exam, concisely conveying the information to the veterinarian and providing support in the retrieval of vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, hydration status, attitude, etc.) of animals presented for sick call or medical evaluation clinics. Sanitizes exam room and treatment areas between canines or as needed.


• Provide medications by various routes under the direction and supervision of Veterinary Staff.


• Assist in loading and transporting dogs to and from different locations as required. Uses proper and prescribed safety methods and practices to include safety procedures outlined in appropriate Air Force Instructions, regulations, manuals, and other directives. Escorts personnel as required.


• Conduct health checks on Government Working Dogs (GWDs).


• Monitor the appearance and activity of dogs for signs of illness, wounds, disease, and discontent.


• Visually observes the health and welfare of assigned GWDs and takes the applicable steps to prevent or resolve issues.


• Specifically, surveys for and identify any signs of injury, illness, and substantial changes in personality, weight loss, bloat, and changes in physical condition. Informs anything uncharacteristic to Veterinarian Staff.


• Observe recovery of GWDs after surgery by assisting Vet Tech staff with tracking respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, tissue perfusion, hydration, body temperature, state of consciousness, and reflexes.


• Identify post-operative complications (shock, hemorrhage, respiratory distress, hypothermia, etc.) and inform veterinarian.


• Support Rehab Team’s examinations and implementation of therapeutic modalities for patients recovering from surgery, healing from orthopedic or neuromuscular injury, or other responsibilities.


• Keep GWDs under control during radiographic studies.


• Assist Vet Techs with visually observing vital signs of GWDs undergoing radiological procedures.


• Administer medications to GWDs canines during early morning shift, evening shift, and weekends. Canines are housed at Medina MWD Clinic and the Lackland Veterinary Hospital.


• Administer medications by various routes, to include topically, orally, optic, and ophthalmic.


• Perform other duties as assigned to include daily cleaning and sanitation primary enclosures, cage change-outs, and in the vicinity (inside and out) of animal facilities.


• Other duties as assigned

• Possess a valid driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience handliPng large, trained, and untrained working breed canines; Military Working Dog experience preferred.


• Ability to provide care for GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, according to specific schedules and routine methods.


• Ability to clean and maintain facilities housing GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, to maintain their health and welfare.


• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and to work harmoniously with personnel and supervisors.


• Ability to catch, handle, hold, and transfer GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, without injuring the animal or endangering self or others.


• Knowledge of effective administration of oral medication to GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines.


• Ability to apply knowledge of the normal appearance and activities of GWDs, including large trained and untrained working breed canines, to recognize obvious changes such as excessive loss of fur, fighting, refusal to feed, malaise, etc.


• Knowledge of effective facility sanitation to prevent injury and illness in program animals.


• Ability to lift or move up to 80 pounds.

Physical Demands: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee may use repeated motions that include the arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Any estimated salary provided by this job board may not align with Chenega's compensation program. Please apply to connect with a recruiter who can provide more details