POSITION SUMMARY The Kennel Supervisor trains, supervises, plans and coordinates a variety of service functions that are related to the supervision of the Kennel Assistants. These functions include, but are not limited to, providing the care and basic needs of animals being groomed, boarded or that are patients of Washington Heights Veterinary Clinic, including cleaning of cages and runs and ward areas and the proper feeding and care of all hospitalized animals. This position also encompasses all the duties of the kennel assistant. The Kennel Supervisor operates under the supervision of the Practice Manager.
Primary Job Responsibilities

• Train, supervise, and assist the kennel assistants in their performance of a variety of service functions that facilitate the work of the technicians, receptionists, veterinarians and practice manager who directly or indirectly provide patient care.
• Provide strong leadership and supervision to kennel assistants.
• Create employee schedules for the kennel department that align with the needs of the hospital.
• Make recommendations to the practice manager concerning personnel matters, disciplinary actions and follow through.
• Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. Conduct timely performance evaluations, mediate interpersonal problems and address concerns from kennel assistants.
• Conduct monthly departmental meetings and schedule in-service meetings as deemed appropriate and necessary.
• Develop and implement a routine priority system that will facilitate the standards set by the owner-doctor as they apply to the care of animals and maintenance of the building. Set standards of performance that must be met to effectively keep the reception area and the hospital running smoothly.
• Observe and report any repairs and maintenance to the office manager. Meet regularly with the owner-doctor and office manager to discuss any problems or improvements.
• Provide and enforce a maintenance schedule of building equipment. Kennel Assistant Responsibilities
• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Properly handle patients as required and appropriately restrain patients as directed.
• Walk hospitalized and boarded dogs several times a day according to hospital protocol to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
• Bathe, groom and provide Tender Loving Care to boarded and hospitalized patients.
• Provide care for pet housed/visiting the hospital. Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to animal health technicians/veterinarians.
• Apply knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements of animals. As required, provide special food and liquids.
• Discharge and admit patients at the request of receptionists, practitioners and animal health technicians. Assure patients being discharged have been checked by animal health technician and/or practitioner. Ensure that patients are clean and fresh smelling prior to discharge. Job Description – Kennel supervisor Page 1 of 4 Washington Heights Veterinary Clinic
• Under the supervision of veterinarians or technicians assist with the administration of medications, post operative care or preparation of samples for laboratory examination, collect specimens, clean instruments, fill prescriptions as authorized.
• Ensure that cages and patients are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.
• Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
• Launder and dry towels and blankets.
• Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash.
• Groom animals utilizing techniques that vary depending on type of hair, coat, breed and owner instructions. Bathe and dry animals. As required, perform pedicures.
• Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of patients that are boarded, groomed or hospitalized.
• Exhibit a technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products. Demonstrate the ability to explain and educate clients on products and answer their questions regarding product purchase/use.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTROLS OVER WORK The Kennel supervisor works under the direct supervision of the Veterinary Practice Manager who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Practitioners/animal health technicians provide specific instructions in giving medications, feeding specific diets or following special sanitary procedures. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor.
Skills And Knowledge

• Knowledge of hospital procedures outlined in the employee manual as well as those that are implied (reasonable expectations).
• Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary terminology in order to accurately enter specific information onto patient records.
• Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament.
• Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining them for transport, grooming and/or treatment.
• Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint.
• Knowledge of grooming practices for wide range of small animals.
• Strong communication, leadership and motivation skills. Has the ability to effectively solve problems dealing with team conflict to personnel issues and performance. Has the ability to direct, guide and assist a group of individuals.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases. Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required.
PetVet Care Centers, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading operators of veterinary hospitals for companion animals. The company operates over 450 hospitals across multiple states and employs over 11,000 people including over 800 veterinarians. Since its inception, PetVet has been structured around a model that is focused on developing a partnership between the hospitals and the company and providing the highest quality medicine and service.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
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