Lead Kennel

Animal Care Centers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Veterinary Boarding and Spa in Durham, NC is seeking a Kennel Lead to head the kennel team and ensure top-quality care for every pet. You will work closely with our veterinary team and hospital leadership to uphold care protocols, keep records, and maintain a clean, safe environment.

The role requires organizing, leading staff, and clear communication with pet parents and team members. Previous animal-care or veterinary software experience is a plus; training is provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with animals in kennel/shelter/veterinary setting is a big plus.
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior, health, and safety protocols, or willingness to learn.
• Comfortable leading a team and helping others do their best work.
• Organized, reliable, and a strong communicator with both people and pets.
• Bonus points for experience with pet parents or veterinary software (training available).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kennel team to keep things running smoothly, cleanly, and safely for all animals in our care.
• Ensure each pet receives the right food, exercise, and enrichment per their needs and veterinary/owner instructions.
• Monitor animal health and behavior and flag issues to medical staff.
• Maintain care records like feeding times, medications, and cleaning schedules.
• Train kennel staff on best practices, safety, and hospital policies.
• Manage kennel supplies and equipment, restocking and maintenance as needed.
• Communicate with pet owners and coordinate with veterinary/front desk teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Animal handling

Safety protocols

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Veterinary software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Kennel Durham, NC, US

Salary Range: $17.00 To $20.00 Hourly

About the Role:

Love animals and leading a team? As Kennel Lead at Park Veterinary Boarding and Spa, you’ll help make sure every pet in our care feels safe, clean, and comfortable, just like home (maybe even better!). You'll manage the day-to-day kennel operations, guide a team of caring staff, and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

You'll work closely with our veterinary team and hospital leadership to make sure our care protocols are followed and our standards stay high. Whether it’s coordinating with medical staff, helping improve processes, or supporting team morale, you’ll play a key role in making things better for both pets and people.

If you're organized, love working with animals and people, and want to help create a clean, happy, and efficient space for pets, we’d love to have you lead the pack.

Minimum Qualifications:

A high school diploma or equivalent - check!

Experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter, or veterinary setting is a big plus.

Basic knowledge of animal behavior, health, and safety protocols, or a willingness to learn.

Comfortable leading a team and helping others do their best work.

Organized, reliable, and a strong communicator (with both people and pets!).

Bonus points if you’ve worked with pet parents or used veterinary software before, but we’re happy to train the right person.

Preferred Qualifications:

Some background in animal care or kennel management is a big plus (certifications are great, but not a deal-breaker).

Experience working in a veterinary hospital or similar animal care setting helps you hit the ground running.

Comfortable handling basic animal first aid and knowing what to do in an emergency.

Familiar with veterinary software and keeping good records — or at least tech-savvy and willing to learn.

Great with people! Previous experience helping pet parents in a customer service role is a bonus.

Responsibilities:

Lead and support the kennel team to keep things running smoothly, cleanly, and safely for all animals in our care.

Make sure every pet gets the right food, exercise, and enrichment based on their unique needs and any instructions from our veterinary team or their owner.

Keep an eye on animal health and behavior; if something seems off, you’ll be the first to flag it to the medical staff.

Stay on top of care records like feeding times, medications, and cleaning schedules - accuracy matters!

Train and guide kennel staff to follow best practices, safety procedures, and hospital policies, helping everyone provide top-notch care.

Keep an eye on kennel supplies and equipment, restocking and arranging maintenance as needed so nothing runs out or breaks down.

Talk with pet owners in a friendly, professional way - giving updates, answering questions, and sharing any special care notes.

Work closely with our veterinary and front desk teams to keep everything coordinated and running smoothly - happy pets, happy clients.

As Kennel Lead, you’ll put your leadership and organization skills to work every day, keeping the team on track and the kennel running like clockwork. Great communication is key, whether you're coordinating with the vet team, supporting staff, or chatting with pet parents. A good understanding of animal behavior and health helps you notice when something’s off and take action quickly. You’ll need an eye for detail to keep records accurate and everything up to safety standards. And when surprises pop up (because they always do!), your problem-solving skills will help keep things calm, safe, and running smoothly for both pets and people.

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