Animal Services Advocate

Overview of Role

The Animal Services Advocate has the unique opportunity to work with rescued dogs that are experiencing the most need, while working with people who are justice involved. As the Animal Services for New Leash on Life USA, he/she will provide compassionate care for our dogs, administer medications, keep ongoing medical notes in ShelterLuv, vet all adoption applications and provide counseling and to potential adopters, properly communicate information to Animal Services Supervisor, veterinarians, adopters, and fosters. This position will require duties to be performed in Philadelphia and Delaware County, PA.

Responsibilities 

• Ensure all dogs are vaccinated in accordance with the PA Department of Agriculture and provide VP of Operations signed rabies and health certificates 
• Ensure PA kennel license rules and regulations are adhered to by providing dog warden handbook and health certificates to adoption and fosters as directed by VP Operations
• Facilitate the prison Basic Animal Care classes
• Basic skills and knowledge in animal restraint
• Review adoption applications and contact potential adopters in a timely manner and coordinate and attend adoption meets
• Attend dog selection following all protocols
• Animal transport
• Must be trained or willing to train on Shelterluv animal software to track prophylactic treatment and vaccinations of all New Leash dogs
• Record observations when reported by fosters, participants, facilitators, or Correctional Officers in Shelterluv
• Coordinate veterinarian appointments for dogs in prison(s) or in foster. 
• A willingness to learn and gain comprehensive  understanding of medical records provided after vet appointments and create plan of action with Animal Services SupervisorUnderstand usage and dosage for all prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the participants and/or fosters
• Perform treatments appropriate to the dog’s needs, including, but not limited to, minor wound care, administration of medication, ear cleaning, nail trimming and bathing
• Communicate all medical needs with adopters/fosters before the dog goes into the home
• Be on-call for emergency visits to prison or foster home and be available to assess what, if any, treatment is necessary
• Coordinate entrance and exit exams for all dogs
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies/first aid kit in storage
• Submit weekly reports on the prison classes
• Create dog adoption and sponsorship digital flyers
• Post adoptable dogs on various adoption websites
• Compile and/or update dog information and photos on current program dogs and from adopters and fosters to be used in dog success stories and social media