Veterinary kennel assistants (also called animal caretakers) are responsible for the day-to-day care of patients and boarders. This includes feeding, watering, cleaning, walking, bathing, and monitoring the well-being of dogs, cats and, occasionally, other companion animals. Kennel assistants must have sufficient physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift and/or move heavy pets and objects, the dexterity and confidence to administer medications, and the ability to monitor pets for signs of distress or disease. It is essential that they have the ability and willingness to learn and the desire to provide gentle, compassionate care for boarded and hospitalized pets. Kennel experience is not always a prerequisite for this position.

General Knowledge and Tasks

General Knowledge

• Know the range of services the practice provides and the species it treats.

• Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors.

• Follow OSHA standards. Be able to find Material Safety Data Sheets quickly.

• Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations.

• Use proper medical terminology when speaking and writing.

• Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission. Know the most common zoonotic diseases.

• Competently speak and write the English language.

General Tasks

• Always be in position and prepared to work by the start of each scheduled shift.

• Maintain accurate personal time cards.

• Maintain a professional appearance while at work, including clean and pressed uniforms or clothes. Change clothes daily as necessary to look professional and avoid carrying odors.

• Maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job. Perform job tasks efficiently without rushing.

• Smile and maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job.

• Handle stress and pressure with poise and tact.

• Show respect for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times.

• Have the physical strength and ability to stand for an entire shift when needed, and be able to lift pets and objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance, handle repetitive up-and-down or back-and-forth motions, and work while bending. Assist in lifting patients weighing more than 50 pounds.

• Maintain a list of tasks and engage in productive work during slow periods.

• Assist other employees as needed. Avoid waiting for coworkers to ask for assistance.

• Assist in hiring new employees by advising candidates of openings and working with the kennel or practice manager and the applicants to help evaluate their personalities and skill levels.

• Participate in your performance appraisal, and, as requested, in those of others.

• Participate in all staff and training meetings. 

• Be willing and able to teach other staff members kennel skills.

• Answer preliminary questions from interested parties regarding stray and adoptable animals.

• Conduct tours of the practice and/or kennel. Before each tour, ensure that the facility is orderly and that staff and patients are prepared for tours.

• Maintain constant vigilance regarding open doorways that could allow pets to escape from the facility.

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services.

• Be prepared to handle any pet or facility emergency that may arise, including dog or cat fights, choking or strangulating animals, and facility fire or weather-related emergencies. Follow contingency plans.

• Follow established facility closing procedures to ensure the security of patients, boarders, and the building.

• Patient-Admittance Tasks

  • Cordially greet incoming clients and patients, addressing each by name.

  • Check on the immunization status of arriving pets before admitting them to the facility.

  • Advise clients of any required services, parasite checks, vaccinations, follow-up medical care. Obtain necessary permission to perm said tasks.

  • Explain special programs offered by the practice.

  • Advise clients of significant changes in policies or services since their last visit.

  • Obtain and record contact information from clients to ensure that they or their agents can be reached during pets’ stays.

  • Ensure that all boarding admission paperwork has been completed.

  • Administer tick and/or flea repellants or pesticides at the time patients are admitted as directed by the kennel manager.

  • Take custody of pets from clients. Restrain dogs with the practice’s leashes. Whenever possible, return the client’s leashes to them. If they insist on leaving the leads, properly label and store clients’ collars and leashes and return them to clients promptly when pets are retrieved from the facility. 

  • Note special instructions given by clients regarding medications, feeding, and exercise.

  • Assist clients with unruly or unrestrained pets. Ensure that all dogs are leashed and that cats and smaller pets are caged. Isolate aggressive pets. Request assistance as needed.

  • Complete a boarding intake exam: get the pet’s weight, check ears, eyes, teeth and check over the body upon check-in to take note of pet’s condition.

  • Walk or carry pets to the appropriate wards. Apply identification bands. Settle pets comfortably in their assigned cages and runs. Provide fresh water, if permitted, and clean bedding. Mark cages and runs with pets’ cage cards.

  • Make sure that all kennel and cage doors are properly secured after admitting or moving patients and before leaving the facility at the end of a shift.

  • The base hourly range for this position is $14.42 - $15.00. Our pay ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
  • This position is also eligible for a periodic bonus.
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Quarterly Bonus Opportunities
  • Accrued Paid Time Off
  • Sick Pay
  • Paid Holidays
  • Employee Pet Discount
  • 401k
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • For more information about our hospital, visit Woodmoor Animal Hospital at www.woodmoorvet.com.
  • Benefits and EEO Statement: NVA/Ethos offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA/Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
    NVA/Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.

  Deadline for applicants is 09/18/2024