Lead Kennel

Community Veterinary Partners; Great Falls (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Veterinary Partners is seeking a Kennel Lead in Great Falls, Virginia. In this role, you’ll manage daily kennel operations and guide a passionate team to ensure the safety and comfort of animals. Responsibilities include overseeing animal care, monitoring health, and training staff while maintaining accurate records. Candidates should have a high school diploma, experience in animal care, and strong leadership skills. A passion for animals and excellent communication abilities are essential, and training will be provided as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter, or veterinary setting.
• Basic knowledge of animal behavior, health, and safety protocols.
• Organized, reliable, and a strong communicator.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kennel team to maintain safety for all animals.
• Ensure pets receive appropriate food, exercise, and enrichment.
• Monitor animal health and behavior, flagging concerns promptly.
• Train kennel staff on best practices and hospital policies.

Skills

Team leadership

Animal care

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Love animals and leading a team? As Kennel Lead at Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Resort 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 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
• Experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter, or veterinary setting
• 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
• 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
• Experience working in a veterinary hospital or similar animal care setting
• Comfortable handling basic animal first aid and knowing what to do in an emergency
• Familiar with veterinary software and keeping good records – or tech‑savvy and willing to learn
• Great with people! Previous experience helping pet parents in a customer service role

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kennel team to keep things running smoothly, cleanly, and safely for all animals in our care
• Ensure every pet receives appropriate food, exercise, and enrichment based on their unique needs and veterinary or owner instructions
• Monitor animal health and behavior; flag concerns to the medical staff promptly
• Maintain accurate care records including feeding times, medications, and cleaning schedules
• Train kennel staff on best practices, safety procedures, and hospital policies
• Manage kennel supplies and equipment; restock and arrange maintenance as needed
• Communicate with pet owners professionally, providing updates, answering questions, and sharing special care notes
• Collaborate with veterinary and front desk teams to coordinate and maintain smooth operations

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 keep things calm, safe, and running smoothly for both pets and people.