Kennel Technician

Humane Society of the North Bay

Vallejo (CA)

On-site

USD 18,752 - 26,708

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Employee discount

Animal Care and Behavior training

Career growth opportunities

40 hours paid vacation after 1 year

COVID-19 precautions in place

Job summary

A local animal shelter in Vallejo, CA is seeking a dedicated Kennel Technician. The candidate will be responsible for the care and handling of various animals, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the shelter, and ensuring the welfare of all animals. Prior experience with dog care and handling is preferred. This full-time role offers opportunities for growth and comprehensive training programs.

Qualifications

Experience in dog care and animal handling required.
Ability to work under high-stress situations.
Valid CA Driver’s License and good driving record necessary.

Responsibilities

Provide care and handling for animals under the shelter's procedures.
Sanitize kennels and common areas daily.
Monitor and evaluate animals for care.

Skills

Animal handling skills

Sanitization protocols

Ability to recognize sick or injured animals

Pressure washing and cleaning skills

Job description

If you’re looking to make a difference in an animal’s life, you’re in the right place.

Job Title: Kennel Technician

Reports To: Kennel Supervisor

Department: Kennel Operations

FLSA Classification: Non Exempt

Scheduled Hours: Full-time, 40 hours

Scheduled Days: TBD

Pay Rate: $16.50/hour

The Humane Society of the North Bay (HSNB), a private, non‑profit animal shelter located in Vallejo, CA, is looking for a kennel technician with thorough experience in dog care. The ability to safely and confidently handle large dogs and interpret their behavior is strongly preferred.

HSNB is a non‑profit animal shelter that cares for Vallejo’s lost and abandoned pets. We are a busy shelter and may have up to 40 large dogs, 15 small dogs, and 20+ cats (maximum onsite capacity).

The Kennel Technician loves animals, has compassion for both animals and humans, has a strong work ethic, and careful attention to detail. The Kennel Technician works with large and small dogs and must be comfortable with handling and interacting with dogs of different sizes and temperaments, and occasionally with cats if needed.

Responsibilities

Animal handling (training provided) for stray intake, bathroom breaks, walks, movement throughout the shelter and in kennels, and transfer in and out of kennels and cars
Providing food and water for animals twice daily
Daily sanitizing/disinfection of kennels, replacing bedding, and washing and folding laundry
Keeping the shelter grounds and common areas clean
Moving supplies and donations throughout the shelter
Giving prescribed medication, vaccinations, and microchipping (training provided)
Evaluating stray animals for adoption prospects (training given)
Monitoring and maintaining adequate supplies
Participation in “meet‑and‑greets” with prospective adopters

Skills (training available)

Follow thorough sanitization protocols for kennels, work and play areas, and equipment
Follow standard food measurements and special diet requirements
Ability to recognize potentially sick or injured animals and/or behavior changes, document concerns, and immediately notify managers
Ability to recognize the need for, and use of animal restraint equipment when necessary
Ability to use pressure washing equipment, hoses, and various cleaning products
Proper handling and caring of animals to perform work in a humane and manner
Use of cleaning supplies, equipment, and building maintenance

General Requirements

Dedication to the humane and compassionate treatment of all animals
Compliance at all times with animal shelter procedures, policies, and rules
Ability to work professionally with members of the public, staff, and volunteers
Ability to deal with high‑stress situations calmly and productively
Willingness to adjust tasks in accordance with changing deadlines and priorities
Ability to comprehend and execute verbal and written instruction
Ability to work without supervision, if needed
Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary
Accurate record‑keeping, report preparation, and filing
Standard business arithmetic and basic fractions
Perform other duties within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job as requested
Valid CA Driver’s License and good driving record

Physical Demands

This position requires extended periods of standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities
This position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing statistical reports and data, using a computer keyboard, if required
The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, without assistance
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds, with assistance
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Hearing is required when providing phone and counter service and interacting with staff, volunteers, and visitors
The Kennel Technician will be handling animals who may be scared, agitated, or injured, and who may attempt to bite or scratch

Benefits