Groomer and Kennel Assistant

Veterinary Practice Partners; Fairview Heights (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

Paid time off and 401(k)

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Fairview Heights Animal Clinic is hiring a full-time Grooming and Kennel Assistant to support veterinarians, technicians, and staff in delivering high-quality animal care.

You will help with kennel duties, grooming prep, and daily husbandry, ensuring comfort and safety for pets during their stay. Training is provided, and benefits are available to eligible employees.

Qualifications

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Genuine passion for animals and their wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Monitor health and comfort of animals and respond to emergencies.
• Document treatments and observations.
• Walk dogs in all weather conditions.
• Feed and provide fresh water.
• Maintain cleanliness of kennels, bowls, litter boxes, and cages.
• Bathe animals as needed before discharge.
• Assist with grooming prep and post-care.
• Communicate health concerns to groomer/veterinary team.
• Move patients safely throughout the hospital.

Skills

Multi-tasking

Organization

Attention to detail

Passion for animals

Education

No formal education required

Job description

Fairview Heights Animal Clinic hiring a full time Grooming and Kennel Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal receives the best possible care during their stay with us. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you!

What to Expect

As you join our mission to create a better world for animals and the people who love them, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:

• Acomprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and a 401(k) plan for full-time employees
• Professional development opportunities

Salary

$16 - $17 per hour, determined by the candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications.

Schedule

This is a full-time position, approximately 38-40 hours per week. The hospital operates Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM; and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Kennel Assistant Duties

• Monitor the health and comfort of animals, recognize and respond to emergency situations, and report health concerns.
• Document treatments, activities, and observations.
• Walk dogs in all weather conditions.
• Feed and provide scheduled fresh water to dogs and cats.
• Maintain cleanliness by washing dishes, bowls, litter boxes, kennels, and cages.
• Change and replace soiled bedding and manage laundry tasks.
• Bathe animals as necessary before discharge.
• Perform general housekeeping duties in animal housing, food preparation, and laundry areas.
• Administer oral and topical medications, including flea and tick treatments.
• Assist with checking in and out boarding patients, ensuring proper labeling and ID collars.
• Identify and alleviate stress in boarding animals through interactive play and mental stimulation.

Grooming Assistant Duties

• Bathe dogs of all breeds, coat types, temperaments, and sizes according to hospital grooming standards.
• Properly shampoo, condition, rinse, towel dry, and blow dry pets while ensuring their comfort and safety.
• Brush and de-shed coats to prepare pets for grooming services.
• Safely restrain and handle pets using low-stress handling techniques.
• Assist the groomer with preparing pets before and after grooming appointments.
• Recognize and communicate any skin abnormalities, parasites, lumps, wounds, or other health concerns to the groomer or veterinary team.
• Support grooming appointments for patients with medical conditions, mobility limitations, or behavioral concerns.
• Clean ears, trim nails, and perform other bathing-related services.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the grooming salon, tubs, kennels, equipment, dryers, and work areas.
• Assist with safely moving patients throughout the hospital as needed.
• Maintain accurate communication with the grooming and medical teams regarding patient care.

Qualifications

• Passion for animals and their well-being
• Ability to multi-task efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

About Fairview Heights Animal Clinic

Fairview Heights Animal Clinic and the Animal Hospital of O'Fallon are integral parts of the community in St. Clair County, Illinois. Whether your pet needs routine medical care, emergency services, or treatment due to illness, you can rest assured that our entire staff will treat your pet as one of our own.

All of our staff is highly trained and has completed all of the necessary courses and continuing education courses to work here. However, we also believe that staff training is a key part of the success of our clinic, so we provide four hours of staff training every two weeks. This ensures that all of our patients get top notch care. Not only are our staff trained on animal care, handling, and nutrition, but also on communication skills and computers. Our groomers also receive grooming specific training.