Kennel Assistant

NVA General Practice; Kodiak (AK); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

NVA General Practice in Kodiak, AK, seeks a kennel assistant to care for hospitalized and boarding animals, including feeding, watering, monitoring, and maintaining clean, safe spaces under supervision.

Responsibilities include sanitation, observation of patient status, and assisting with specimens, medications, and grooming as directed. The role requires 16+ years old, reliability, and physical stamina in a fast-paced clinic.

Qualifications

• Minimum 16 years of age; high school diploma desirable
• Reliable transportation
• Physical capability to stand during entire shifts and lift up to 50 pounds
• Knowledge of OSHA standards, medical terminology, and infectious disease transmission
• Compassion for animals with ability to handle workplace stress
• Professional demeanor and client interaction skills

Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Daily feeding, watering, and provision of fresh water to patients and boarders
• Sanitation: Cage and run cleaning with appropriate disinfection protocols, along with general hospital cleaning of floors, surfaces, dishes, and laundry
• Patient Monitoring: Walking dogs, observing animal behavior, monitoring appetite and elimination patterns, and recording observations
• Support Functions: Assisting with specimen collection, medication administration support, and patient bathing/grooming as directed
• Facility Management: Maintaining hospital cleanliness, managing inventory, restocking supplies, and performing maintenance tasks

Skills

Compassion for animals

Professional demeanor

Client interaction skills

Ability to handle workplace stress

Education

High school diploma desirable

Job description

A kennel assistant (also known as an animal care attendant) serves as a foundational role in veterinary hospital operations, primarily responsible for the direct care and welfare of hospitalized patients and boarding animals.

Core Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Daily feeding, watering, and provision of fresh water to patients and boarders
• Sanitation: Cage and run cleaning with appropriate disinfection protocols, along with general hospital cleaning of floors, surfaces, dishes, and laundry
• Patient Monitoring: Walking dogs, observing animal behavior, monitoring appetite and elimination patterns, and recording observations
• Support Functions: Assisting with specimen collection, medication administration support, and patient bathing/grooming as directed
• Facility Management: Maintaining hospital cleanliness, managing inventory, restocking supplies, and performing maintenance tasks

Qualifications

• Minimum 16 years of age; high school diploma desirable
• Reliable transportation
• Physical capability to stand during entire shifts and lift up to 50 pounds
• Knowledge of OSHA standards, medical terminology, and infectious disease transmission
• Compassion for animals with ability to handle workplace stress
• Professional demeanor and client interaction skills