Kennel Assistant

JOB SUMMARY:

The Kennel Assistant is responsible for ensuring the proper care, overall health, and welfare of all animals in both the isolation areas and the general population. Assistant maintains a clean environment for the animals, monitors and notes behavior of animals, ensures animals are up to date on vaccines and medical treatments, and works closely with volunteers and other staff. Assistant should display a professional appearance and have a courteous and helpful demeanor at all times. The primary role of the Kennel Assistant is to support the kennel attendants and ensure they are able to provide high levels of customer service and quality care for the animals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Provide daily care and maintenance of all animals by cleaning and disinfecting kennels and cages, feeding and watering, walking, administering medications and treatments as directed.
• Assist volunteers with training and assume control of or restrain hard to control animals.
• Maintain accurate records of daily behavior, medications, files and other reporting as required.
• Help to ensure that all animals receive all final treatments and vaccines prior to adoption.
• Lift up to 40 pounds and be able to restrain large and/or fractious dogs when necessary to maintain the safety and health of the public and volunteers.
• Observe animal behavior and appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent and report any findings to Shelter Vet Assistant immediately
• Implement behavioral enrichment programs and activities as requested by the Animal Services Manager or management team.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform work according to established methods specified in the Standard Operating Procedures Manual and the Personnel Policy Handbook.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all animal areas to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent
• Perform needed cleaning and maintenance of all the equipment and tools used in the job assignments.
• Observe volunteers who clean and maintain animal areas; alert management and the Volunteer Coordinator to any potential problems
• Records daily observation sheets to assigned canines
• Make sure animals are properly identified on their kennels/cages
• Feed each animal as marked on their feeding cards
• Restock supplies regularly to maintain a well-organized workspace
• Spot clean animal areas and public areas throughout the day
• Ensure that all routine vaccines and medical treatments are given in a timely manner (will train)
• Disposable gloves must be worn if there is contact with urine or feces
• Supervises volunteers who walk dogs and provide instructions to improve the dog’s behavior
• Ensure dogs get an appropriate amount of walks according to walking schedule in all types of weather.
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, twist, and lift form the ground up
• Ability to walk both large and small dogs appropriately in all types of weather from extreme heat to extreme cold.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds without assistance
• Must be able to learn to handle factious animals
• Must be able to work in a loud environment
• Must be able to go up and down stairs
• Must be able to talk clearly and communicate well to the public, staff and volunteers
• Must be able to work in small spaces
• Must be able to follow specific orders or instructions when they are given
• Must have basic knowledge of animal handling and animal behaviors
• Must have no allergies to animals
• Must be able to work in a high stress environment

EDUCATION/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid drivers license.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

Knowledge and experience of handling animals is a plus. On the job training is provided.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 15 per week

Benefits:

• On-the-job training
• Paid time off

Shift:

• 4 hour shift
• Day shift

Work Days:

• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Springfield, IL 62702 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Springfield, IL 62702: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16