This article was featured in WYDaily on 3/22/24

If working with animals, making a difference right here in the community and getting paid to do it sounds like the ideal career path, The Heritage Humane Society has new employment opportunities available.

Begin or continue a rewarding career in animal care

The Heritage Humane Society serves the largest homeless pet population in the Greater Williamsburg area. Each year, more than 2,000 pets come through the shelter either as lost pets, strays or surrendered animals. It takes a team of dedicated staff and volunteers and each member plays a vital role in the shelter’s mission to provide a safe haven for animals in need throughout the community.

Staff, supported by a dynamic volunteer group, share a common love of pets and helping with their community. Beyond that, each has their own additional motivations. Some love the daily tending to the daily needs of the shelter’s pets, while others enjoy contributing their problem-solving skills when stray, surrendered or injured pets come through the front doors.

While the shelter serves as a temporary home for dogs, cats and more, it is still a home and each shelter staff member plays a critical role in caring for the pets and the shelter.

For those who appreciate routine, there are critical routine elements in each role within the shelter to help drive its success. Walking dogs multiple times daily, cleaning their temporary habitats, feeding them, and helping transport them as needed. Still, for others who enjoy going to a workplace where no two days are alike, there are occurrences throughout each day helping people connect with and adopt a new furry (or not so furry!) friend; help coordinate foster care for expectant mothers, newborns or medical cases; at times help console a pet that is being surrendered, and the daily reward of helping pets who need extra socialization as they prepare to be adopted.

For those who work at an animal shelter, the busy, high-energy days and demands result in a sense of accomplishment and solace in knowing that they are making a positive impact on the world around them. Their dedication and compassion serve as a beacon of hope for animals in need, inspiring others to join in the mission of animal welfare.

Open animal care job opportunities

The Heritage Humane Society routinely shares its employment opportunities. Current positions include:

• Customer Care & Compliance Manager. This pivotal position oversees pet movement, adoption, and compliance with regulations. A hands-on leadership role, the Customer Care & Compliance Manager ensures a positive customer experience, maintaining records, and generating revenue through retail sales and donations while fostering compassion and teamwork among staff.

• Pathways Coordinator. The role assists in various areas including medical, foster, behavior, and customer care, performing administrative tasks and providing daily care to pets. Being a Pathways Coordinator requires excellent customer service skills, flexibility to work with different animals, and a positive attitude while maintaining a clean facility and collaborating with the team.

• Part-time Animal Care Attendant. This position ensures a tidy facility and provides essential care for sheltered animals, emphasizing strong customer service skills in a busy setting. A Part-time Animal Care Attendant plays a critical part in maintaining a comfortable and welcoming environment for both animals and visitors alike.

Join a team that cares for pets and one another

The Heritage Humane Society team consists of dedicated individuals who devote their time and energy to the care and welfare of shelter residents. While each member plays a vital role in the shelter’s mission to provide a safe haven for animals in need, simultaneously they work together and there is a spirit of camaraderie.

“In my 14 years at The Heritage Humane Society, I have seen amazing compassionate people who support the mission of making life better for animals. I am proud of the work being done at The Heritage Humane Society and enjoy working with people who have a passion for helping animals,” shares Diana Krell, Programs and Community Services Director. “From donors and volunteers to staff and adopters, it takes every single one of us to create an environment of people who truly care for the animals. I am thankful for the support we receive on a daily basis and I enjoy helping people and animals in our community.”

“For each one of us who work at The Heritage Humane Society, it’s much more than just a job—it’s a labor of love,” says Kimberly Laska, CAWA, Executive Director of The Heritage Humane Society. “Every day brings new challenges, but seeing the positive impact we have on the lives of animals makes it all worthwhile.”

Adoptable pets ready

The shelter is filled with homeless pets who are just as eager to have forever homes. Nearly 160 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in their care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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