Part-Time Veterinary Kennel Assistant — Compassionate Care

Chico Animal Hospital; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Chico Animal Hospital in Chico, CA is seeking a Part-Time Kennel Assistant I to join our team. The role supports clean, efficient hospital operations and assists medical staff with animal care and client interactions.

The ideal candidate communicates well, handles animals with care, and is able to work weekends or overtime as needed after training. Possibility for full-time hours after initial training period.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to completing the 12th grade.
• Ability to work Saturdays and occasional overtime.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds, with assistance for heavier loads.
• Excellent animal restraint and handling skills.
• One year or more veterinary hospital experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Keep kennel and grounds clean, orderly, and clutter-free.
• Remove trash, sweep, and mop daily.
• Stock hospital supplies as needed.
• Launder bedding and surgical linens.
• Clean surgical suite in between procedures.
• Maintain surgical instrument upkeep.
• Prepare surgical packs and instruments.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and client-service skills during patient admission and discharge.
• Obtains information from the owner regarding the pet's medical needs and communicates it to the appropriate hospital staff.
• Strongly believes in the quality of care provided and communicates this sense of assurance to clients.
• Empathizes with clients and remains compassionate and well-mannered if a client becomes emotional or discourteous.
• Records weight and applies name band to patient at admission, and removes before release.
• Puts pets in a secure kennel and attaches necessary paperwork (cage card).
• Assists medical staff with restraining patients for treatments, including fearful or caution patients.
• Assists medical staff with restraining patients for medication administration and logs data in the PMS.
• Takes patient temperatures during anesthesia recovery and logs data on the recovery sheet.
• Provides compassionate patient care, including keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable during their stay.
• Walks, feeds, and logs that data daily in the PMS.
• Administers medications and calculates dosages as instructed.
• Cleans and sterilizes runs and kennels daily.
• Adheres to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures.
• Serves as a representative of the hospital, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and other staff members.
• Adheres to the posted work schedule.
• Utilizes the time clock to clock in and out at the beginning and end of each day and during breaks.
• Demonstrates initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed.
• Organizes work areas and exercises time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency.
• Prioritizes tasks and handles multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner with a strong sense of urgency.
• Understands and applies hospital policies and procedures.
• Attends departmental and staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as required or as asked by managers and employer.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Animal handling

Teamwork

Restraint handling

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Chico Animal Hospital in Chico, CA is seeking a Part-Time Kennel Assistant I to join our team. The role supports clean, efficient hospital operations and assists medical staff with animal care and client interactions.

The ideal candidate communicates well, handles animals with care, and is able to work weekends or overtime as needed after training. Possibility for full-time hours after initial training period.