Kennel Assistant

Abqpetcarehospital; Highland Manor (AL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates is hiring a Kennel Assistant & Bather to care for boarded and hospitalized animals, bathe and groom them, and support daily hospital operations.

The role involves observing animal health, assisting with intake/discharge, and maintaining clean kennels and equipment in a busy veterinary setting.

Qualifications

• Observe animal appearance and activity for signs of illness or discomfort.
• Ability to restrain and transport animals safely as directed.
• Knowledge of basic grooming practices for small animals.

Responsibilities

• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition.
• Walk, exercise and socialize hospitalized/boarded dogs per protocol.
• Bathe, groom and provide Tender Loving Care to patients and boarders.
• Discharge and intake of patients; ensure cleanliness and odor control.

Skills

Animal Handling

Restraint

Grooming

Cleaning

Observation

Communication

Job description

KENNEL ASSISTANT POSITION & BATHER (No previous work experience required but preferred)

INTRODUCTION

The Kennel Assistant functions include, but are not limited to, providing the care and basic needs of animals being boarded, baths participating in our doggy daycare program or that are patients of Animal Medical Center, including cleaning of cages and runs areas. The proper feeding and care of all boarding and hospitalized animals. The Kennel Assistant operates under the supervision of the Kennel Manager, Hospital Manager and Medical Director.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Properly handle patients as required and appropriately restrain patients as directed.
• Walk hospitalized and boarded dogs several times a day according to hospital protocol to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder. Socialize and exercise boarders in a safe manner at all times.
• Bathe, groom and provide Tender Loving Care to boarded and hospitalized patients.
• Provide care for pet housed/visiting the hospital. Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to animal health technicians/veterinarians.
• Discharge and intake of patients at the request of receptionists, practitioners and veterinary assistants and technicians. Ensure that patients/boarders are clean and fresh smelling prior to discharge.
• Ensure that cages and patients are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.
• Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, runs and litter boxes as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
• Launder and dry towels and blankets.
• Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash.
• Collect any samples requested by the doctor or technician.
• Deep cleaning of entire hospital.
• Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of patients that are Club Mutters boarded, groomed or hospitalized.
• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors and the practice philosophy.
• Notify supervisor of needed maintenance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Kennel Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Kennel Manager and Hospital Manager who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Practitioners/animal health technicians provide specific instructions in giving medications, feeding specific diets or following special sanitary procedures. Recurring assignments are performed independently.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament.
• Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining them for transport, grooming and/or treatment.
• Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint.
• Knowledge of basic grooming practices for wide range of small animals.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency.
• Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, and listen, frequently working in a bent position.
• Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
• Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 100 lbs. (Assistance will be provided by another team member when working with larger animals).

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we’re committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

• NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.
• The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.
• For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.