Job Description

Under direction of the Caretaker Supervisor, Caretakers are responsible for the day-to-day care of boarded animals. This includes feeding, watering, maintaining a clean and healthy environment, walking, bathing, and monitoring the wellbeing of dogs, cats and occasionally, other companion animals. Caretakers must have sufficient physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift and/or move heavy pets and objects, 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 pets. Needs to be able to work in a fast-paced environment with other team members. Must be able to work weekends and holidays as these are prominent boarding times.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Cleans and sanitizes all cages, runs, wards and related areas to maintain a clean and healthy environment
• Engage In play activities and exercise with boarding animals
• Feed each animal as prescribed by the owner and records appetites
• Gives baths (ordinary cleansing, flea, medicated) as scheduled
• Recognizes and records any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of any boarding animal
• Complete Kennel Camper Card for all boarding animals going home
• Assists doctors, Veterinary Assistants and other personnel with the administration of medications or with restraint as needed
• Other duties assigned as required

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
• Work in a vigorous physical manner; standing, walking, and bending for the majority of your shift
• Interact with animals in a calm, non-threatening manner
• Learn to 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 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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