Kennel Lead

American Veterinary Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental &amp

401k Match

Generous PTO

Job summary

American Veterinary Group is seeking a Full-Time Kennel Lead in Raleigh to supervise the boarding facility, mentor kennel staff, and ensure high standards of patient care and client service. The role requires leadership, clear communication, and the ability to work weekends and holidays on-site.

The ideal candidate will have veterinary knowledge, strong teamwork, and the capacity to manage stress while maintaining exceptional care and safety for patients and clients.

Qualifications

• Leadership role overseeing kennel staff and boarding operations.
• Excellent client communication and veterinary care knowledge.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Supervise kennel and boarding facility operations.
• Oversee kennel staff duties: care, cleaning, feeding, monitoring, and safety.
• Provide TLC to pets and communicate with clinical teams.

Skills

Physically demanding environment

Client relationships

Leadership/mentoring

Staff scheduling

In‑person presence

Job description

Kennel Lead

Department: General Practice Hospitals

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Raleigh Community Animal Hospital

Reporting To: Practice Manager

Description

We are seeking a Full-Time Kennel Lead to help provide outstanding patient care and client service in a fast‑paced, multi‑doctor animal hospital. The Kennel Lead reports directly to the Practice Manager and must be willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.

The Kennel Lead is responsible for supervising all aspects of the boarding facility, including personnel management of the kennel staff. The Kennel Lead also handles and/or oversees all duties outlined in the Kennel Assistant job description. This leadership position sets the example for all hospital staff to follow in animal care. The ideal candidate should have general veterinary medical knowledge to ensure standards of care are followed for patient care, as well as exceptional client service and communication skills. Confidence to deal with stressful situations and difficult employees and clients is a must. This individual must be able to carefully and thoroughly follow instructions and be able to think quickly under pressure. Kennel experience preferred.

Ideal Candidate

• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment
• Will have an upbeat, friendly, and professional attitude
• Be compassionate/caring
• Can work individually, as well as on a team
• Self‑starter personality that can complete daily tasks without the need for constant direction
• This position requires regular on‑site presence as an essential function of the role. Due to the nature of veterinary hospital operations, in‑person attendance is necessary to support patient care, respond to time‑sensitive needs, collaborate with clinical teams, and maintain the safety and well‑being of patients, clients, and staff. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and will consider requests for reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable laws.

Skill, Knowledge, & Expertise

• Manage the care of animals that are at our practice for daycare, baths, boarding and/or grooming
• Build and establish relationships with clients
• Develop, train, mentor and recruit kennel staff that match our team culture
• Schedule staff accordingly, generating plans to build the business and services as well as seek to better the services we already provide
• Oversee the kennel staff and their duties, which include: observing pets appearance for physical condition, signs of illness, disease and discomfort; cleaning and disinfecting the pet suites as often as necessary; medicating pets as needed; assist with the feeding and watering of the pets in our care; bathing guests; actively monitor pets during group activities and see to their safety and well‑being; provide Tender Loving Care and Comfort to pets in our care; assist any other team member in the facility as needed; give tours of our facility as requested; properly document the behavior and habits of our guests during their stay

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision Options)
• 401k Match
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave + Paid Maternity Leave
• One (1) Work/Life Balance day off
• Short‑term and long‑term disability options
• Supplemental insurance options
• Discounted Veterinary Care
• Scrub allowance
• Hands‑on and E‑training
• Professional growth opportunities
• Tuition assistance for prospective Veterinary Technician Students
• Tuition reimbursement for Credentialed/Registered Veterinary Technicians