Job Description

*Looking to hire ASAP.

Under direction of the Practice Manager, veterinary kennel assistants (also called animal caretakers) are responsible for the day to day care of patients and boarders. This includes feeding, watering, cleaning, walking, bathing, and monitoring the wellbeing of dogs, cats and occasionally, other companion animals. Kennel assistants must have sufficient physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift and/or move heavy pets and objects, the dexterity and confidence to administer medications, and the ability to monitor pets for signs of distress or disease. It is essential they have the ability and willingness to learn and the desire to provide gentle, compassionate care for boarded and hospitalized pets. Keeping the clinic clean and sanitary is very important part of the job. Needs to be able to work in a fast paced environment with other team members. Must be able to work holidays as we still board during those times.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Cleans and sanitizes all cages, runs, wards and related areas
• Recognizes and records any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of any hospitalized animal; observes animals recovering from anesthesia
• Feeds each animal as prescribed by the attending D.V.M. and records appetites; keeps kitchen area clean and neat
• Receives animals to be admitted for hospital care and is responsible for their proper identification and for recording their respective locations
• Releases animals to their owners as directed by the attending doctor and office manager and ensures that every animal released is clean and properly groomed
• Assists doctors, nurses, treatment assistants and other personnel with the administration of medications or with restraint
• Keeping the clinic clean and sanitized along with the other clinic employees
• Other duties assigned as required (cleaning, yard, garbage, etc.)

Qualifications

Knowledge of:   

• Cleaning and disinfecting methods and the use and care of cleaning materials and equipment
• Proper methods of animal restraint

Ability to:   

• Use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency
• Perform moderately heavy physical labor
• Sympathetically and patiently treat sick and injured animals
• Learn to administer medications and recognize abnormal conditions
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms. The employee is often required to lift and carry materials weighing fifty pounds or more; handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs. 

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. 

Additional Information

WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

COMPANY POLICY & FEDERAL & STATE LAWS FORBID DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF AGE, COLOR, RACE, RELIGION, SEX, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR NATIONAL ORIGIN