Veterinary Kennel Assistant

Kennel Assistant Objectives: The Kennel Assistant provides for the care and basic needs of the animals that are being groomed, boarded or are patients of Acorn Hills Animal Center, including cleaning of cages, runs and ward areas, laundry, walking, and proper feeding, medicating and care of all hospitalized patients.

Position type and expected hours of work:

• Full or Part-Time

• 8-hour Shifts Monday – Friday

• Weekend shifts required

• Overtime may be required
• Holidays required

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Previous veterinary experience preferred, but willing to train the right person

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Clerical

• Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of animals that are boarded, groomed or hospitalized.

Technical

• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent; report any abnormal observations.

• 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 boarded and hospitalized animals.

• 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; ensure return of all personal items.

• Under the supervision of veterinarians or technicians assist with the administration of medications, post-operative care or preparation of samples for laboratory examination, collect specimens, clean instruments, fill prescriptions as authorized.

• 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.

COMPETENCY:

Basic Skills

• Possession of strong organizational skills.

• Knowledge of the spelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary medicine to accurately record results of tests and file veterinary medical reports according to alpha, numeric or subject matter headings.

• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Ability to multi-task

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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.

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills.

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Requires active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points be made, asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Requires face-to-face discussions with individuals or team members.

Social Skills

• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.

• Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals or the practice to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Ability to adjust actions in relation to other’s actions

• Teaching others how to perform a task

• Actively looking for ways to help others

• Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Requires dealing with unpleasant, angry or discourteous people

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications including MS Office (Word).

• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.

Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required.

Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Night shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person