Animal Care Attendant, Grade 14

Animal Care Attendant, Grade 14

Join Montgomery County Government’s Animal Services & Adoption Center (MCASAC) as an Animal Care Attendant. This role ensures a safe, sanitary environment for both animals and people while providing humane care to shelter animals.

Salary range: $53,567 to $69,748 (based on qualifications and experience)

MCASAC is the county’s only open‑admission municipal shelter, dedicated to high‑quality sheltering and care for homeless, abused, and neglected animals. It protects the safety and welfare of our community.

The Animal Care Attendant works closely with staff, veterinarians, volunteers, and the community to maintain animal health, promote responsible pet ownership, and support adoption programs. Positional requirements include: clear verbal and written communication, minimal supervision, and situational awareness when handling potentially dangerous animals.

• Handle animals of all sizes and temperaments, including ill or aggressive animals.
• Maintain and thoroughly clean kennels, cages, and common areas—removing waste, power‑washing, mopping, scrubbing, and disinfecting.
• Prepare food, feed, and provide water for shelter animals.
• Wash and sanitize litter and feeding equipment.
• Assist customers who are seeking lost pets or those interested in adopting.
• Respond to questions about specific animals and adoption processes.
• Monitor sick, quarantined, and injured animals; observe for unusual physical and behavioral conditions; congregate or isolate animals as necessary.
• Administer medications as instructed by a veterinarian and maintain accurate logs.
• Perform initial health assessments of arriving animals and administer routine vaccinations.
• Participate in euthanasia as needed.
• Gather, launder, and replace soiled pet bedding.
• Socialize and exercise shelter animals daily.
• Operate power‑cleaning equipment.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Essential Personnel: The selected individual will be considered an “Essential Employee” and must report to work during a general emergency or liberal leave.

Background Investigation: A background check will be conducted on the selected candidate prior to appointment and will be a significant factor in hiring.

Medical Exam: The selected candidate will be required to complete a medical exam before appointment.

Experience: None.

Education: Graduation from high school or completion of a High School Certificate recognized in Maryland.

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license.

Medical & Background: Medical clearance and background check required before appointment.

• Professional experience working with animals
• Experience with handling and restraining animals
• Familiarity with common animal diseases and signs of illness
• Ability to work weekends, days, nights, and holidays
• Comfortable working with scared, fractious, vicious, or dangerous animals
• Experience with various species of animals (feline, canine, poultry, livestock, equine, wildlife, exotic, reptiles, birds)

Montgomery County Government is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities. Contact OHR at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for assistance.

MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.

County employees must comply with the county’s ethics law, including approval for any outside employment and prohibitions on certain outside work. Additional information is available on the Ethics Commission website.