Kennel Assistant

Lakefield Veterinary Group; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakefield Veterinary Group in Duluth, MN seeks a Kennel Assistant to provide a high standard of care for boarded pets. You will feed, clean, exercise, monitor, and report on each pet’s wellbeing to ensure a safe, comfortable experience.

This role requires compassion, attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork. You’ll follow clinic policies, manage daily tasks, document reports, and assist with enrichment activities to support outstanding patient care.

Qualifications

• Experience in animal care handling various breeds and sizes of dogs and cats.
• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively and listen to clients.

Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect cages, pens, runs, and boarding areas.
• Feed boarded pets with correct type and amount of food.
• Provide clean bedding and monitor water for all pets.
• Monitor food and water consumption and report issues.
• Assist with playtime, walks, and enrichment activities.
• Maintain pet belongings and return them to owners in good condition.
• Assist with inventory and supply management.
• Comply with practice policies and safety procedures.

Skills

Customer oriented

Communication

Problem solving

Compassion

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Teamwork

Discretion

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

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

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
• Perform duties on the pet’s activities report, makes necessary updates, and completes the Pet Guest reports
• Complete assigned playtimes, cuddle times, fitness sessions, bedtime stories, and walks, as specified in Policies and Procedures
• Feed boarded pets and ensures 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 the management of any issues
• Check on the pets periodically each day 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

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WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Essential Qualifications):

Experience :

• Experience in an animal care setting handling various breeds and sizes of dogs and cats
• Preferred but not required

Required Education :

• High School Diploma or GED preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities :

• 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 skill
• 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:

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities are required to do this job including close vision. This position requires walking, standing, and sitting bending, reaching, grasping, and repetitive motions. May be exposed to disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, pets dander, and excretions. This position is exposed to low to moderate noise levels. Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. unassisted, 50 lbs. with assistance. Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities

ABOUT LAKEFIELD VETERINARY GROUP

We believe exceptional veterinary care starts with exceptional people.

We partner with hospitals across the country to preserve what makes each practice special - its people, culture, and connection to community - while providing the operational supportand resourcesthat allow teams to thrive.

As we grow, wearecommitted to creating an environment where team members feel respected, supported, and empowered to deliver outstanding care.

Our Values

• Respect
• Learning
• Do theRightThing
• WowService
• Fun

If these resonate with you, you’ll fit right in.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lakefield Veterinary Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members and applicants.