Kennel Worker

The Kennel Worker is responsible for the daily care, feeding and exercise of all boarding and hospitalized pets. He/She is to pay close attention to pets status such as signs of stress and changes in eating or elimination habits, promptly notifying technicians and/or veterinarians when a pet needs medical attention. Assisting the technicians and doctors is required, which includes animal restraint, assisting in treatments and client service. The kennel attendant interacts with clients in person and by phone. Proper record documentation and accurate completion of boarding paperwork is critical. A kennel attendant must pay close attention to details, understand and follow proper feeding and sanitation procedures and monitor boarding and hospitalized pets. A kennel attendant is also responsible for all hospital maintenance including the parking lot.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide compassionate care to boarding pets and hospitalized patients
• Walk through kennel areas regularly, checking each pet for abnormal activity such as vomiting, diarrhea or blood in cage/run
• Recognize emergency situations, enlisting the aid of doctors and technicians
• Mark records correctly for abnormal eating/weight/elimination habits
• Feed and water animals according to schedules and special instructions
• Clean and disinfect all water and food bowls
• Wear personal protective equipment required for each job duty and keep PPE in good working order. PPE includes goggles or face shields, aprons, gloves and/or other equipment assigned
• Move pets to outside runs to disinfect kennels no less than four times daily. Return animals to correct kennels
• Replace soiled bedding in cages/runs
• Operate washer/dryer to clean hospital laundry
• Give baths to pets on scheduled day of departure or as necessary during boarding; this may include performing medicated baths or dips
• Perform all nail trimming and ear cleaning for boarding pets as needed
• Supervise animals when they are in outdoor areas
• Perform "cuddle time" and "daycare" as requested by the clients
• Assist the receptionist in the boarding check-in/out; this includes retrieving and bringing up pet from boarding, taking special instructions for feeding or additional services, returning all personal items upon discharge, and keeping record of all important information
• Administer flea and tick control on pets as requested by Veterinarian
• Sweep/vacuum and mop all hospital floors and changes all garbage's
• Keep parking lot and dumpster areas clean
• Know proper animal handling and restraint techniques
• Provide facility tours for clients, explain services offered
• Maintain food and supply storage
• Understand infectious diseases and hot to control and prevent their spread
• Communicate with clients in person and over the phone
• Attend monthly mandatory staff meetings

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent, some college preferred

Skills Needed:

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions
• Effective communication with clients in person and by phone
• Experience in caring for animals, proper restraint techniques preferred
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
• Ability to work with computer-based veterinary software

Physical Obligations:

• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Endure standing and walking on hard floor surfaces for extended periods of time
• Able to work in noisy work conditions with sounds from animals and equipment
• Take safety precautions for exposure to toxins, drugs, anesthesia and radiation