Kennel Technician

Caroline County Humane Society

Kennel Technician Job Description

The general duties and responsibilities of a kennel technician include, but are not limited to the following:

• Providing food and water to the animals according to a set schedule

• Taking animals out for walks, placing them in run yards and cleaning up after them

• Cleaning and disinfecting kennels, equipment, and other items

• Participating in the running of dog play groups with other staff and volunteers

• Helping to groom and bathe animals as needed

• Interacting with animal control officers, animal owners, shelter staff and the public

• Checking the physical condition of animals in shelter care daily and notifying the appropriate party if there is a problem with the animal that requires action

• Observing the health of the animals in their care by identifying signs of illness or distress and reporting any problems to the appropriate party

• Keeping records of animals’ physical condition, feeding, and other activities while in the shelter

• Administering medication to animals under the supervision of veterinarians or veterinary technicians

• Assisting medical technicians in treating animals

• Participating in training sessions on the proper handling of different types of animals

• Help to keep the shelter clean and organized at all times, sharing the duties with the rest of the shelter staff in cleaning common areas

• Other duties as required or assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Kennel technicians are required to hold a high school diploma or a general education degree(GED) and need a valid driver's license

Training and experience: Kennel technicians will receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other experienced kennel technicians. Training may include kennel cleaning and disinfection, feeding, grooming, animal handling and restraint techniques. Training may also include the use of cleaning and disinfection equipment, recording and reporting animal information, and handling and disposal of animal waste.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Communication skills: As a kennel technician, you interact daily with co-workers, supervisors, and the public. Strong verbal communication skills will help you speak clearly and confidently to these people.

Listening skills are also important, as a kennel technician you will often work under the supervision of others. Being able to listen and follow instructions you receive can help you build trust with your colleagues.

• Responsibility: Caring for animals requires a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that you provide a safe and positive experience for them. You can demonstrate responsibility by carrying out your assigned tasks quickly, efficiently, and accurately.

• Problem-solving: As a kennel technician, you are responsible for observing the animals in your care and looking after their welfare. When you spot problems, your knowledge of animal care and your problem-solving skills will help you develop appropriate solutions. If you are unable to find or implement a solution yourself, you can ask a supervisor or colleague for help.

• Patience: even if you enjoy working with animals, it can sometimes be difficult. Animals communicate and behave differently from humans, so you may sometimes find yourself in unpleasant or difficult situations. Patience will help you to cope with the situation and continue to care for the animals, even if you are under great stress. Similarly, calm behavior will help you to create a more comfortable environment for nervous or stressed animals.

• Attention to detail: Kennel technicians will need to record information about the time animals spend in the shelter and provide it to the other staff. The attention to detail ensures that the work is accurate. You will also do a lot of cleaning work and your attention to detail can help you to identify and thoroughly clean all areas and items necessary to ensure a safe and healthy environment. This cleanliness helps to maintain high-quality standards and a positive reputation for the shelter.

• Organization: Being organized means being able to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. As a kennel technician, you may be responsible for keeping records of each animal in your care. You might also be responsible for keeping equipment clean and well-maintained, therefore your organizational skills will help you complete all necessary tasks promptly.

**Kennel technicians will be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to take care of the animals. The work can be physically demanding, and a kennel technician must be able to lift 50 pounds or more. They must also be able to handle animals of all sizes and temperaments and not be afraid to work with cleaning chemicals and other potentially dangerous materials.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• On-the-job training
• Paid training

Shift:

• Day shift

Work Days:

• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15