The Kennel Assistant provides care and the basic needs of animals that are being groomed or boarded at Rose Animal Clinic including cleaning of cages, runs and ward areas, laundry, walking, and proper feeding. The kennel assistant operates under the supervision of the Practice Manager.

POSITION SUMMARY

• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Handle animals as required and restrain animals.
• Walk hospitalized and boarded dogs several times a day to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
• Bathe, groom and provide Tender Loving Care to boarding pets.
• Provide care for animals housed/visiting the Hospital. Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to animal health technicians/veterinarians.
• Apply knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements of animals. As required, provide special food and liquids.
• Discharge and admit animals at the request of receptionists, practitioners and animal health technicians. Assure animals being discharged have been checked by animal health technician and/or practitioner. Ensure that animals are clean and fresh smelling prior to discharge.
• Obtain stool and urine samples as assigned.
• Ensure that cages and animals are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.
• Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
• Launder and dry towels and blankets.
• Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash. Groom animals utilizing techniques that vary depending on type of hair, coat, breed and owner instructions. Bathe and dry animals. As required, perform pedicures.
• Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of animals that are boarded, groomed or hospitalized. Maintain boarding areas thru proper stocking and cleaning. Responsible for maintaining boarding inventory. Including but not limited to kennel food, bowls, bedding, leashes, grooming supplies, and cleaning supplies. Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors and the practice philosophy. Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Description – The Kennel Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Veterinary Practice Manager who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Practitioners/animal health technicians provide specific instructions in giving medications, feeding specific diets or following special sanitary procedures. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament. Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining them for transport, grooming and/or treatment. Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint Knowledge of grooming practices for wide range of small animals. Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency. Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction. Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Day range:

• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends

Shift:

• Day shift

Work setting:

• In-person

Experience:

• Animal handling: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person