Animal Welfare Officer

About Animal Aid Unlimited

Animal Aid Unlimited is dedicated to rescuing and treating injured or ill street animals in Udaipur, Rajasthan. We operate with core principles of animal rights and handle over 100 daily rescue calls. Our organization includes a hospital and sanctuary caring for over 900 animals including dogs, cows, donkeys, and cats. We also run a sterilization program for street dogs. Located 10 km outside Udaipur near Badi village, our team includes more than 120 employees.

Role Overview

The Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) is vital to fulfilling Animal Aid’s mission by overseeing the daily care of animals in the hospital and shelter. Responsibilities include performing health checks, supervising caregivers performing feeding, socializing, bathing, and safe handling. The officer ensures animals' physical and mental well-being by checking that nutrition, shelter, treatment, and co-housing are properly managed. AWOs cover various shelter areas to ensure no animal's needs are unmet.

Training and Growth

On-the-job training spans months, even for experienced candidates, focusing on learning each animal’s needs, behavior, and appropriate care methods. Candidates progressively gain supervisory skills over caregiving staff and volunteers along with understanding organizational protocols and principles. Roles can evolve beyond two years to higher-level coordinator or management positions including Volunteer Coordinator, Cruelty Prevention Coordinator, and Emergency Desk Manager. Growth is supported with merit-based salary hikes and benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure animal welfare per internationally recognized Five Freedoms and organizational protocols covering nutrition, psychological and physical care, medical treatment coordination, and weather-appropriate shelter.
• Immediately report any illnesses or distress signs to the Animal Welfare Manager or medical team.
• Coordinate caregivers in their daily duties and adherence to schedules.
• Provide training to new and existing caregivers on animal behavior, handling techniques, and care protocols.
• Engage in outreach activities: welcoming visitors, conducting tours, onboarding and supervising volunteers, participating in educational events to promote animal welfare in the community.
• Assist in adoption processes including animal assessment, adopter screening, and protocol implementation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Graduation in any discipline.
• Fluency in English is essential; Hindi proficiency is highly advantageous.
• Minimum 2-3 years of work experience in any domain.
• Proficient in IT tools such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Significant practical experience with animals, especially dogs; additional experience with cats, cows, donkeys preferred.

Personal Qualities

• Deep commitment to Animal Aid’s mission and animal welfare principles.
• Highly observant and dependable.
• Effective communication and team coordination skills.
• Ability to function both independently and collaboratively.
• Empathy and comfort in handling animals.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range starts at 20,000 to 40,000 INR in-hand, increasing after 6 months and annually based on performance.
• Travel and accommodation expenses for interviews are reimbursed.
• Relocation support covering travel, temporary housing, and shipment of personal belongings up to 10,000 INR after 3 months.
• Accommodation: Animal Aid provides housing near the hospital or reimburses rental costs up to 8,000 INR monthly for stays in other locations; utilities and repairs are covered.
• Essential home furnishings are supplied for Animal Aid-provided housing.
• Health insurance (HDFC ERGO) and eligibility for gratuity benefits.
• Paid leave: 15 casual leaves (20 for candidates from outside Udaipur) in the first year plus 15 earned leaves after one year; 8 paid festivals annually.
• Leave Travel Allowance up to 25,000 INR yearly for up to two round trips for candidates residing outside Udaipur, with possible tax benefits.