What Makes Wayside Special?

You have a choice in where you work. (And we hope you’ll choose Wayside!) Here are a few of the many reasons why choosing Wayside is an excellent career choice for you:

Stable Organization.

We’ve been here since 1944 and continue to grow, expand, and thrive as the needs of the community have changed.

Low Employee Turnover. 

Many Waysiders have worked at the shelter for 5, 10, or more years! If you’re looking for a place to call home, consider Wayside!

Strong Financials.

Yes, Wayside is a non-profit that relies heavily on donations to operate — but we have an incredibly loyal, generous, and large donor base. Wayside is a highly respected organization and our donors know we use donor dollars in a responsibile manner – making them want to continue to invest in our life-saving work year after year.

National Recognition.

Wayside isn’t a typical animal shelter. Our programs continually receive national, regional, and local recognition. Join a winning team and be part of programs that impact pets and people across the nation.

Competitive Benefits.

Providing benefits that are important to you and your family are important to Wayside. Benefits include paid time off, 6.5 holidays, Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Group Life Insurance, 401(k) Plan with Wayside contribution, pet care and pet adoption discounts, Long Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and supplemental insurance options. Part-time benefits include paid time off, 401(k) Plan with Wayside contribution and pet care and pet adoptions discounts.

Managed Animal Shelter.

Wayside is not an open admissions shelter. The management philosophy allows Wayside to provide a very high quality of medical and behavioral care, support high employee morale, and responsibly manage the shelter’s resources to serve the needs of the community.

State-of-The-Art Facilities.

Whatever the shelter animals need, Wayside’s Team makes it happen. Our state-of-the-art facilities provides high quality medical, behavioral and training care for the animals. Our Canine Behavior Center is the second of its kind in the nation.

Work-Life Balance.

We know working in animal welfare can take an emotional toll. It’s important work, but it can be hard when you care so deeply for the animals you are serving. Wayside is committed to providing  a positive work-life balance. This includes ensuring you have the resources you need to do your work and investing in your continuing education to grow with your career.

Things we value in our workplace culture include:

• Supporting a united Wayside Team
• Demonstrating Respect
• Taking Responsibility
• Practicing Open, Direct, Prompt Communication
• Addressing Problems
• Celebrating the Diversity of the team
• Acknowledging the Emotional Nature of our work

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Wayside is commited to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for staff and volunteers. We value and respect everyone, no matter their race, color, creed, sexual orientation or identity, disability, national origin, or age. All employess will be given equal consideration with respect to compensation, benefits, and opportunities for advancement (except where sex, age, or physical capabilities are a bona fide occupational requirement).

Current Career Opportunities

The positions on this page are paid positions. Interested in Volunteering? Check out our Volunteer Program

Veterinary Students contact Lindsey at [email protected]

Why Kansas City?

Ranked in the top 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S., this fast-growing Midwest metro is an excellent place to live for job opportunities, affordable housing, top-rated colleges, pro sports teams and events, incredible arts and culture, and—of course—some of the best jazz and nightlife in the Midwest. 

The Kansas City metro actually spans two states – Missouri and Kansas – giving area residents double the fun! From top National Companies, nationally recognized college and secondary schools, top national sports teams, incredible museums and fine arts to exquisite dining – Kansas City is THE place to be!

Learn more about our great city: 

VisitKC.com  

KCChamber.com

DowntownKC.org