Kennel Assistant

Title: Kennel Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-exempt, $15.00 per hour

Part-time: 16-29 hours per week

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for maintaining proper disease control protocols, including cleaning of facility, preparation of surgical packs, laundry, and general maintenance of facility. Responsible for the care of feral cats in the clinic's care.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works closely with Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and other staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Perform daily cleaning of TNR holding rooms, feeding rooms, storage rooms, hallways, prep rooms, surgical rooms, and any other trafficked areas, following proper disease control protocol to ensure a sterile environment.
• Perform daily feedings of all TNR cats (mornings and evenings).
• Perform daily cleanings of all TNR cat traps as well as spot-cleaning as needed throughout the day.
• Admit and discharge TNR patients as needed throughout the day.
• Know basic veterinary medical concepts.
• Communicate in an effective and professional manner.
• Follow all written and verbally communicated clinic standard operating procedures.
• Keep veterinarians and veterinary technicians informed of animal behavior, health, or concerns.
• Stock all kennel/cleaning supplies as needed.
• Clean surgical laundry, clean and sonicate surgical instruments, and prepare all surgical packs as needed.
• Clean and put away non-surgical laundry.
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly checklists as found in the TNR Standard Operating Procedures for Disinfection protocol.
• Restock prep and surgery rooms with items needed for the next day.
• Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and/or veterinary technician, and maintain competency in CPR procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness of the clinic.
• Able to work shifts as assigned.
• Be punctual and a team player.
• Remain Health & Safety conscious and actively involved in maintaining a safe work environment.
• Comply with policies, procedures and code of ethics.
• Perform any and all other tasks which are assigned by management.
• Attend scheduled one-on-ones and staff meetings.
• Uphold the highest standards of internal and external customer service at all times.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work standing for 8 or more hours.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day without help.
• Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
• Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations.

Animal Handling

• May be asked to handle (on average) anywhere from 40 to 60 cats in humane traps per day.
• Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example, be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior).
• Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train) – the use of safety equipment is mandatory.
• Must possess excellent reflexes.
• Should be able to identify your own limitations and be willing to ask for help.
• Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures.
• Must be able to clean up various animal bodily fluids such as urine, feces, vomit, and blood.
• Must be able to work in conditions with animal dander and other allergens.

Emotional/Mental Requirements

• Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
• Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training).
• Must be able to cope with death either due to surgical complication or euthanasia.
• Ability to process information rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to delegate tasks.
• Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to make decisions.
• Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

Candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional attitude.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The offices and operations of a high-volume spay/neuter clinic can be high stress and busy at times. This position is scheduled for 5 days/week, Monday through Friday; however, the schedule can change and may sometimes require weekend or evening hours to complete the job. The typical schedule for this position is split up between two part-time employees, Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 5:00pm, Friday 7:30am to 2:00pm. Can include working some holidays or overtime depending on clinic needs. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice overtime requests.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15