Kennel Attendant Jobs

Kennel staff members are responsible for proper husbandry care of all hospitalized and boarded animals, including feeding, bathing, walking, record keeping and the cleanliness of cages, runs and ward areas. In addition, the kennel staff also is responsible for the cleanliness of the hospital. Also needs to be able to take direction of technicians or doctors to carry out treatments, you will need to be able to take a TPR of patients as well as give injections in various routes. When hospital is closed, you will need to monitor hospitalized patients, take care of boarding patients and clean the hospital according to the checklists. Multitasking is a must in this job as well as client communication. You do converse with owners regarding boarding patients and their activities during their stay as well as keeping their belongings organized and kept together. This job is a lot of husbandry and animal interactions, you need to be comfortable with handling small animals including; dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, and guinea pigs.

AGE REQUIREMENT

Minimum age requirement is 18 years old

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High school degree or in the process of attaining

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Animal care background is desirable, but not required

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Can give hospital and kennel tours while highlighting features that differentiate us from other kennels and hospitals in our area.
• Understands and carries out the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain the hospital cleanliness, the equipment, and overall appearance of the hospital.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Can assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint.
• Understands the importance of prioritizing tasks and keeps oneself busy and productive during work shifts.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day.
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.
• Can feed each animal as prescribed by the attending doctor or technician or as the owner has requested and records appetites.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Provides compassionate care to patients.
• Releases animals to their owners as directed by the doctor; ensures that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release.
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Can maintain laundry for the kennel and hospital.
• Receives animals to be admitted, is responsible for their proper identification and for recording their respective locations.
• Can collect urine and fecal specimens.
• Maintains the grounds of the property including waste disposal, light maintenance of landscape upkeep and general building maintenance.
• Cleans equipment and facilities using chemicals and supplies; understands the importance of safety of use of chemicals in our facility.
• Can recognize and report any unusual condition or abnormal behavior.
• Can follow a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls.
• Has the ability to communicate with owners and make them feel comfortable with leaving their pet(s) in our care.
• Can give baths and brush out patients.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must take constructive criticism well.
• Must be available to work overnights. (11pm-6am)
• Must be eligible to obtain a Controlled Substance Permit
• Must work well under pressure, this is a fast-paced, high volume job and requires the ability to multitask to be as efficient as possible.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays to be considered this position.
• Must work well with others and avoid gossiping.
• Can work unaffected in an environment where dogs are barking.
• Must be able to converse well with clients and be able to handle complaints without getting upset or frustrated.
• Must enjoy working with animals and be able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Must uphold our core values of: Integrity, Compassion, Self-Improvement, Reliability, Positivity & Team Spirit

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to walk or stand for whole shift, 8 to 9 hours.
• Must be able to lift and carry animals and food bags 40lbs or less (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 pounds).
• Must be able to walk and restrain dogs of all sizes, small breeds (Poodle/Chihuahua) to large breeds (Mastiffs/Great Danes).
• Must be able to handle and restrain feline patients, with proper training.
• Must be able to reach above your head and perform sweeping and mopping for every shift.
• Must be able to frequently work in a bent position, while restraining patients for as long as 10 minutes or sometimes more.

WORK CONDITIONS

• May be exposed to radiation from hospital equipment
• May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces
• May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases
• Must be able to work unaffected in an environment where dogs are barking