Lead Kennel Technician

Innovetive Petcare; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision and life insure

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Training programs and career growth

Job summary

Lange Animal Hospital is seeking a Lead Kennel Technician to oversee daily kennel operations and support our veterinary team in providing high-quality patient care.

This hands-on leadership role requires at least 3 years of kennel experience, ability to lead by example, and a compassionate approach to both common and exotic animals. The position is full-time and based in Knoxville, TN, with opportunities to contribute to a clean, safe, and welcoming hospital environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional kennel, animal care, boarding, or veterinary hospital experience
• Previous leadership experience or ability to take initiative
• Comfort handling dogs and cats of different sizes and temperaments
• Willingness to learn about exotic animals and husbandry practices
• Knowledge of kennel cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and infection-control practices
• Ability to recognize changes in animal behavior or condition and report concerns

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kennel operations and coordinate responsibilities
• Maintain cleaning and sanitation standards across kennels and treatment spaces
• Monitor animal comfort, behavior, appetite, and wellbeing; report concerns to veterinary team
• Provide supervised enrichment, exercise, and socialization for animals
• Assist with bathing and basic coat care.
• Support veterinarians and hospital staff with patient handling within training scope
• Care for dogs, cats, and exotic animals as trained
• Follow infection-control procedures and maintain accurate records
• Promote teamwork and a positive, collaborative work environment

Skills

Lead by example

Kennel experience

Animal handling

Team leadership

Job description

Lead Kennel Technician

Department: Boarding

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Compensation: $15.00 - $18.00 / hour

Description

Lange Animal Hospital | Knoxville, TN | Full-Time

Do you love animals, take pride in maintaining a clean and safe environment, and enjoy helping a veterinary team provide exceptional patient care? Lange Animal Hospital is looking for an experienced, dependable, and compassionate Lead Kennel Technician to help oversee daily kennel operations and ensure our patients receive attentive, high-quality care.

In this hands-on leadership role, you will help maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized veterinary hospital while supporting the daily needs of dogs, cats, and, with training, exotic animals. From supervised playtime and bathing to maintaining sanitation standards and assisting the medical team when needed, you'll play an important role in creating a positive experience for pets, clients, and teammates.

We're looking for someone with at least 3 years of kennel experience who leads by example, pays attention to detail, and understands that every animal deserves patience, compassion, and excellent care.

What You'll Do

• Lead Daily Kennel Operations: Help coordinate daily kennel responsibilities, maintain an organized workflow, and support consistent standards of animal care.
• Maintain Cleaning and Sanitation Standards: Clean and disinfect kennels, animal housing areas, cages, runs, treatment spaces, and shared equipment according to hospital protocols.
• Provide Exceptional Animal Care: Monitor the comfort, behavior, appetite, and general well-being of hospitalized and boarding animals, reporting concerns promptly to the veterinary team.
• Support Enrichment and Exercise: Provide supervised playtime, exercise, socialization, and appropriate interaction to help keep animals comfortable and engaged.
• Assist With Bathing and Grooming Needs: Bathe dogs and provide basic coat care as needed, following appropriate handling and safety procedures.
• Support Veterinary Medical Staff: Assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other hospital team members with animal restraint, patient movement, and other duties within your training and assigned responsibilities.
• Care for a Variety of Species: Work confidently with dogs and cats while demonstrating a willingness to learn appropriate husbandry and handling techniques for exotic animals.
• Promote a Safe Environment: Follow infection-control procedures, use cleaning products appropriately, maintain accurate records, and help prevent the spread of illness.
• Set the Standard for Teamwork: Lead by example, communicate effectively, and help maintain a positive, collaborative environment focused on patient safety and compassionate care.

What We're Looking For

• At least 3 years of professional kennel, animal care, boarding, or veterinary hospital experience.
• Previous leadership experience or the ability to take initiative, coordinate responsibilities, and serve as a dependable resource for teammates.
• Comfort handling dogs and cats of different sizes, temperaments, and activity levels.
• A willingness and enthusiasm to learn about the care and handling of exotic animals.
• Knowledge of kennel cleaning, sanitation, disinfection, and infection-control practices.
• The ability to recognize changes in animal behavior or condition and communicate concerns promptly.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, reliability, and time-management skills.
• A compassionate, patient approach to animal handling and a commitment to treating every pet with care and respect.
• The ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including standing for extended periods, bending, lifting, and safely handling animals and supplies, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A team-oriented attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed in a busy veterinary hospital.

Why Join Lange Animal Hospital?

At Lange Animal Hospital, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the daily lives of animals while working alongside a team dedicated to their health, safety, and well-being.

We value team members who take pride in their work, support one another, and understand that excellent veterinary care starts with compassionate people and a clean, safe environment.

As part of Innovetive Petcare, Lange Animal Hospital is supported by a veterinary organization committed to helping hospital teams succeed while preserving the unique identity and culture of each practice.

Full-Time Benefits Include:

• Health, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Opportunities to learn and grow in your veterinary medicine career through our various training programs