Job Information
Animal Rescue League of Iowa Animal Care & Movement Assistant in Des Moines, Iowa
Animal Care & Movement Assistant (Animal Flow Assistant)
Full-time, Non-Exempt
Help Animals Move Safely through their Shelter Journey
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is looking for an Animal Flow Assistant to support the daily movement, handling, and care of animals through the shelter. This role is an important part of shelter operations and helps ensure animals are in the right place at the right time for medical care, daily housing needs, and adoption opportunities. This is a hands-on position for someone who is dependable, observant, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift throughout the day. This role requires flexibility, teamwork, and a calm approach, especially when working with animals that may be stressed, fearful, recovering, or adjusting to a new environment.
In this role, you will help move animals safely between shelter departments while using fear free handling techniques that support the animals in our care. You will work closely with animal care, admissions, medical, behavior, and adoption teams to help maintain smooth daily operations across the shelter. Daily responsibilities may include transporting animals to housing areas, assisting with restraint when needed, preparing spaces for incoming animals, and helping ensure that each animal’s location and status are accurately reflected in shelter records.
You will also help monitor animals during handling and movement and communicate any health or behavior concerns to the appropriate team. Shelter needs change throughout the day, this position also supports general animal care responsibilities such as feeding, cleaning, sanitizing shared spaces, and assisting with kennel readiness when needed. Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized environment is an important part of the role.
The ideal candidate has a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of experience in animal handling, animal care, shelter work, veterinary support, kennel operations, or a related field. You should be comfortable around dogs, cats, and other companion animals, able to remain calm under pressure, and willing to work both independently and collaboratively. Basic computer skills are important, as this role involves entering and updating information in shelter software. A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required.
This is an active role that requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the day. The position includes lifting up to 50 pounds and working in an environment that may involve pet dander, animal waste, cleaning chemicals, noise, and occasional scratches or bites. Shelter work can be physically and emotionally demanding, but it is also deeply meaningful for those committed to improving the lives of animals.
At the ARL, every role contributes directly to our mission of caring for animals and supporting the people who love them. As an Animal Flow Assistant, your work helps create smoother shelter operations, lowers stress for animals, and supports positive outcomes every day.
Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages discussion of accommodation needs during the hiring process.
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm