Animal Care Assistant

Job overview

The Animal Care Assistant role is based onsite in Des Moines, IA, in a temporary position through November 2026; the posting describes part-time hours up to 30 per week, with possible temporary full-time hours. Compensation is not specified. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa provides sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, and community programs. The role provides daily care that helps shelter animals stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for adoption. It also supports safe shelter operations through cleaning, observation, accurate care records, and positive interactions with adopters, volunteers, visitors, and coworkers.

What you'll do

• Feed, water, walk, exercise, and provide enrichment for shelter animals
• clean and disinfect animal spaces, dishes, laundry, and shared areas
• observe and report signs of illness, injury, stress, or behavior changes
• document care in Shelter Buddy and other systems
• support interactions with adopters, volunteers, visitors, and team members
• assist with facility cleaning and daily operations
• follow animal-handling, safety, sanitation, and organizational procedures.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

animal care assistant

animal rescue league of iowa

des moines ia

temporary through november 2026

part-time

shelter animals

animal handling

feeding and enrichment

kennel cleaning

shelter buddy

veterinary benefits

401(k) employer contribution

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Part-time employee offerings may include veterinary benefits, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution, and opportunities for learning, connection, and community impact.

Why this role

Temporary role through November 2026; part-time hours up to 30 per week with possible temporary full-time hours; high school diploma or GED required; ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

About the employer

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa is hiring for this role. Industry: Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations. Sector: 81.