Kennel Assistant

Lakefield Veterinary Group; Burlington; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary services organization in Burlington is seeking a dedicated Kennel Assistant to ensure high standards of care for pet guests. Responsibilities include cleaning, feeding, and monitoring the well-being of animals. Ideal candidates will have experience in animal care, good communication skills, and a compassionate approach towards pets and owners. This full-time position requires flexibility, as it may involve evenings and weekends, and the ability to lift moderate weights.

Qualifications

• Experience handling various breeds and sizes of dogs and cats.
• Basic customer-oriented communication skills.
• Attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Compassion and empathy for pets and owners.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Team player with problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and treatment to pet guests.
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, and boarding areas.
• Feed and monitor animal health.
• Set up and clean play areas and ensure fresh toys.
• Feed boarded pets with correct food and portions.
• Ensure pets have clean water and offer appropriate treats.
• Monitor food/water consumption and report issues.
• Check on pets to ensure safety and wellbeing.
• Manage pet belongings and return them to owners in good condition.
• Monitor supplies and notify management when low.
• Report repairs and assist with maintenance as needed.
• Support a collaborative clinic environment and quality care.

Skills

Experience in animal care

Communication skills

Compassion and empathy

Organizational and time-management

Organizational skills

Time management

Discretion / confidentiality

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join to apply for the Kennel Assistant role at Lakefield Veterinary Group.

Position Summary

The Kennel Assistant provides a high standard of care and treatment to all pet guests. This position helps ensure a positive experience while feeding, cleaning, and exercising the animals.

What You’ll Do (Essential Functions)

• Foster a culture built on our values: Respect, Learning, Do the Right Thing, WOW Service, and Fun.
• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas.
• Provide and maintain clean bedding for each new pet guest.
• Set up and clean playtime areas and ensure clean toys are available for pets.
• Feed boarded pets and ensure the correct type and quantity of food is provided for each meal.
• Ensure pets have clean water and provide special treats as needed.
• Monitor and chart food and water consumption and elimination of each pet guest and notify management of any issues.
• Check on the pets periodically to ensure safety and well‑being for each pet in the boarding areas.
• Keep track of and clean the pet’s belongings and ensure they are returned to the owners in good condition.
• Monitor supplies and notify management when inventory is low.
• Report items that need repair to management and assist with repairs as needed.
• Support a practice environment that promotes collaboration and teamwork and ensure the delivery of quality, compassionate, effective, and efficient care to pets.
• Comply with all practice policies, quality assurance guidelines, minimum standards of care, and safe handling procedures.
• Perform other duties and projects as requested, including laundry and cleaning.

Experience / Qualifications

• Experience in an animal care setting handling various breeds and sizes of dogs and cats.
• High school diploma or GED preferred (not required).
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer‑oriented approach.
• Basic judgement and problem‑solving skills.
• Compassion and empathy for both pets and pet owners.
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Organizational and time‑management skills.
• Handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to identify and foresee problems, present solutions, and collaborate as a team player.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

This role requires regular talking and hearing, specific vision abilities including close vision, and walking, standing, sitting, bending, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions. The position may expose you to disinfectants, pet dander, excretions, and low‑to‑moderate noise levels. You must be able to lift up to 30 lbs unassisted and 50 lbs with assistance, and work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Additional Information

Seniority Level: Entry level. Employment Type: Full‑time. Job Function: Other. Industry: Veterinary Services.