What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kennel Assistant position at Camp 4 Paws?
Overview
Camp 4 Paws is seeking a dedicated Kennel Assistant to join our team in providing exceptional care for dogs in our boarding and daycare facility. This role is ideal for animal lovers with a passion for pet care and handling, offering an engaging environment where you can make a positive impact on pets' well-being. The position involves working closely with animals, ensuring their safety, comfort, and happiness during their stay. Prior experience with animals, veterinary practices, or pet grooming is highly valued, but a strong desire to learn and compassionate attitude are equally important. Looking for someone who is confident, comfortable, and calm around dogs of all breeds.
Camp 4 Paws is a family business and we treat our employees like family - one team. We are poised for substantial growth and would like someone interested in growing with us. Great opportunity for career growth and advancement.
Duties
- Assist in daily kennel operations, including all boarding and daycare activities, feeding, watering, cleaning, grooming, bathing, administering medications, and monitoring animals' health and behavior.
- Supervise dogs during boarding and daycare to ensure safety and proper behavior.
- Provide and maintain detailed records of animal care, treatments, and medication administration.
- Engage dogs in play, exercise, and socialization activities to promote mental and physical health.
- Perform animal handling and restraint with care and professionalism.
- Maintain cleanliness of kennels, play areas, and common spaces to uphold hygiene standards.
- Monitor animals for signs of illness or distress and report any concerns to staff or management immediately.
- Assist with pet grooming tasks such as bathing or brushing when required.
- Support all services of the business by providing attentive care during client visits or drop-offs.
- Handle heavy lifting involved in cleaning supplies, bedding, equipment setup, grooming, and bathing.
- Provide excellent customer service.
- Report supply needs and anything in need of repair to management.
- Must be available to work weekends and holidays.
Experience
- Prior experience in dog boarding, dog daycare, dog training, pet grooming, or animal handling is required.
- Veterinary technician or assistant experience is a plus.
- Kennel experience or background working in animal shelters or veterinary clinics is advantageous.
- Strong customer service skills to communicate effectively with pet owners and visitors.
- Knowledge of animal restraint techniques and pet care best practices.
- Knowledge of dog breeds and their temperaments.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks including heavy lifting and long periods of standing or walking.
- Compassionate attitude towards animals with patience and attentiveness. Must have a love for animals and care about their well-being.
Education
- Minimum of a high school education.
Skills
Animal Care and Handling
- Animal handling and restraint: Safely and correctly handling and restraining animals of various sizes and temperaments.
- Basic animal care: Performing daily tasks such as feeding, watering, walking, and exercising animals.
- Observation: Noticing changes in an animal's appearance or activity that could indicate illness, injury, or distress.
- Behavioral knowledge: Understanding basic animal behavior to soothe and calm animals, especially in stressful situations.
- Basic medical knowledge: Assisting with administering medication and monitoring animals' health.
Physical and environmental skills
- Physical fitness: Being physically fit enough to lift heavy objects (like bags of food) and perform manual labor, often outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Cleaning and sanitation: Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment by cleaning kennels, cages, and equipment to prevent the spread of disease.
- Organization: Keeping records, managing supplies, and staying organized to handle multiple animals and tasks at once.
Interpersonal and communication skills
- Communication: Clearly communicating with veterinarians, other staff, and pet owners.
- Customer service: Interacting with clients in a professional, friendly, and helpful manner.
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to ensure the best care for the animals.
- Patience and calm demeanor: Remaining patient and calm in stressful situations and when dealing with challenging animals.
- Flexibility: Being adaptable and willing to work varied schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
This position offers an opportunity to work in a caring environment dedicated to quality animal care and welfare. Candidates should be enthusiastic about working with pets of all temperaments and sizes while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
Successful candidates must agree to a background and driving record check.
Please do not contact the business directly or in person. Please use the contact information provided.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $ $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Professional development assistance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17