Kennel Technician

1.0 INTRODUCTION :

The purpose of this standard procedure is to establish and define the job tasks and reporting relationships of a Kennel Technician at Wateree Animal Hospital.

2.0 REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS :

A Kennel Technician reports directly to and is accountable to the Kennel Supervisor.

No other personnel reports to this function at this time.

3.0 JOB TASKS :

The job tasks of a Kennel Technician shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following :

3.1 The primary duty of the Kennel Technician at Wateree Animal Hospital is to maintain the constant cleanliness and best care possible for all boarding animals.

3.2 Cleans and sanitizes all kennels, runs, wards, and related areas.

3.3 Gives baths (ordinary cleansing, flea, medicated) and does whatever grooming as may be necessary for the treatment and with constant cleanliness of each animal.

3.4 Completes all assigned job tasks in an accurate and timely manner.

3.5 Assists veterinary personnel in providing care, management, treatment, and sanitary conditions for animals if called upon. Assists with animals by positioning or restraining them for examination and treatment as requested.

3.6 Feeds each animal as prescribed by the owner or attending DVM. Records amount and type of food being fed, appetites, urine and feces output.

3.7 Maintains work areas in as clean a manner as possible and free of debris. Cleans the work site thoroughly at the conclusion of each job. New Clients are often taken on a tour of the Hospital, including kennel, without notice.

3.8 Be able to perform hospital and kennel tours and explain the benefits of using Wateree Animal Hospital as a superior veterinary hospital and boarding facility.

3.9 Maintains a clean, odor-free, and attractive environment at the Wateree Animal Hospital. Our clients judge our hospital by what they can easily see.

3.10 Mow, clean, paint, maintain leaf- and snow-free exterior surfaces, driveway maintenance, fence maintenance, and landscape upkeep as needed. Remove trash daily or as needed.

3.11 Maintain equipment used to complete job assignments and keep such equipment and tools in good working condition. Store all tools and equipment in their proper storage space.

3.12 Assists with minor repair work inside the hospital, including, but not limited to lighting, painting, and minor electrical, plumbing, and carpentry maintenance.

3.13 Receives animals to be dropped off or boarded, and is responsible for their proper identification and for recording their respective locations.

3.14 Is safety conscious at all times. Follows all safety policies, procedures, rules and regulations and demonstrates safe practices when performing work assignments.

3.15 Obtains Kennel Supervisor's or Doctor's advice when unsure of how to perform a work step in a timely manner.

3.16 Develops a full understanding of work to be done prior to beginning any new job. Seeks assistance from the Technician Supervisor as required in order not to make an irreversible mistake.

3.17 Takes all dogs outside to be walked or kenneled in the outside runs twice daily - before 9 : 00 a.m. and after 4 : 00 p.m.

3.18 Works closely with Doctors, Technicians, and other Kennel Technicians to get the job done. Notifies the Technician Supervisor or the Treatment Room Veterinarian of suspected illness, injury, or abnormal behavior of any animal housed in the Kennel, either dropped off or boarding.

3.19 Responsible for the cleanliness of the kennels and pens.

3.20 Attends meetings as required and participates willingly in the proceedings, offering opinion and fact. Is familiar with company rules, regulations, policies and procedures and complies fully with all of them.

3.21 Assist in the admission and discharge patients on the doctor's orders (for "straight-outs"). BE CAREFUL TO ENSURE THAT THE ANIMAL BEING DISCHARGED IS WELL-GROOMED, CLEAN, AND EXHIBITS NO SIGN OF UNIDENTIFIED MEDICAL PROBLEMS. Provides owner / handler with prescribed education and treatment, and answer client questions. Pass on questions or questionable issues to the veterinarian or the Chief of Medical Services or Client Services.

3.22 Communicates with the Kennel Supervisor when a supply is running low or piece of equipment is not operating correctly.

3.23 Performs other job tasks as assigned by the Kennel Supervisor in an accurate and timely manner.

4.0 JOB REQUIREMENTS :

EDUCATION AND TRAINING :

High School Diploma preferred

Small animal Veterinarian clinic experience is a plus.

EXPERIENCE :

One year, specialized experience that is directly related to the duties that are to be performed preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES :

Must have the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully and accurately conduct the types of general clinical duties that is required of a Kennel Technician in this company.

Skilled in the use of tools, testing equipment, and laboratory devices that are required for the types of work performed by the Kennel Technician at Wateree Animal Hospital.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Must be in good general health.

Must have a full range of bodily motion as much, walking, standing, lifting, reaching, carrying, bending, handling, fingering, grasping, squatting, working on the back, climbing inclines and declines, stooping, and prolonged standing are daily requirements of the job.

Should be able to lift weights in excess of 60 pounds above the waist.

Must have good vision and cannot be color blind.

Must be able to hear and speak well.

COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS :

Must be able to read, write, and speak well in the English language.

Must be skilled in the development and maintenance of efficient interpersonal relationships and must be able to receive instructions from superiors and peers.

INTELLECTUAL REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS :

Must have good long and short term memory. Must be accurate in required mathematical calculations. Must be detail oriented and dedicated to efficient and timely follow-up of assignments and instructions and not prone to making mistakes. Must be a fast learner who can adapt to change rapidly. Must be able to make accurate decisions in a timely manner. Must be able to understand abstract and complex activities and actions and be able to relate these to others in an understandable manner.

WORK REQUIREMENTS :

Must be able to work alone without supervision. Must be able to work effectively as part of a group or team when required. Must be capable of working and communicating with fellow workers on a daily basis. Must be able to work under stressful conditions usually brought about by having to meet deadlines or emergency situations that arise. Must be able to perform a variety of job tasks. Must be capable of performing accurate routine, repetitive duties.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS :

The work requires direct interaction with animals, some animals may not be as docile as others so extreme caution is required.

The facility is climate controlled and well lighted