Animal Care Technician (Kennel) Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  This is a hands-on position overseeing kennel and grooming staff in daily responsibilities.  The Kennel Manager assists the Practice Manager in the application of all practice policies, procedures, and checlists. The Kennel Manager provides the highest quality of care for the animals entrusted to the practice, record keeping, inventory, staffing needs, cleanliness of facility, and the safety and security of the kennel staff and animals.

1.  Kennel Operations and Animal Care

·       Checks animals in for boarding, speaks to owners and Customer Service Technicians for instructions, assesses pet as necessary (behavior, skin issues, hair condition, etc.), documents specific feeding instructions, medication instructions, vaccine history, play times, name collar and records all of this information on the boarding forms.

·        Checks out and charges for boarding/baths/grooming, speaks with owners, brings up all belongings and goes over report cards.

·        Records, organizes, and labels all belonging.

·        Places all boarders’ contracts, medications, and animals that need to see the veterinarian in the proper area in the treatment room.

·       Supervises the preparation of “report cards” for animals going home so that the owner can see how their pet did while boarding.

·       Supervises animals while they are in the yard and performs play times for those animals whose owners have requested it.

·       Performs baths, nail trimmings, ear cleanings, and provides training of the kennel staff.

·        Responsible for ensuring proper maintenance and repair of washing machine and clothes dryer, cage dryers, and any other electrical or plumbing problem that may occur in the kennel, grooming or bathing rooms.

·       Takes clients on kennel tours, explains the services offered.

·        Works with Inventory Specialist to ensure department’s supplies are maintained appropriately.

2.  Supervision of Animal Care Team

·       Assists Practice Manager with the hiring of Animal Care Technicians.

·        Orients and trains new team members ensuring Standards of Care and exceptional customer service are maintained.

·       Develops and manages, with approval from Practice Manager, the staffing schedule.

·       Utilizing the Practice Manager as a resource, mediates kennel staff conflicts.

·       Coordinates kennel staff meetings and kennel staff meeting with Practice Manager.

·       Manages day-to-day work flow

·       Develops independent, responsible, initiative taking team members who possess a strong work ethic and fulfill our Vision:  It Begins With Caring… Every Patient, Every Client, Every Time  And Values: Exceptional Customer Service, Trusted Client Education, Clinical Excellence, Compassion, Integrity, Continuous Learning/Improvement

·       Serves as a resource for ACTs

·       Creates ACT work schedule utilizing scheduling template developed by Practice Manager. If scheduling template needs modification, modification must be approved by Practice Manager to ensure proper staffing budgeting.

·       Develops and monitors Deep Clean Schedule to ensure a safe, disease free facility for patients.

·       Problem solving when issues arise

·       Follow-up with Clients when necessary

·       Monitor ACT Checklists for accountability and address discrepancies when needed.

·       Holds ACTs accountable for their schedule as ACTs are responsible for identifying their own replacement if they are sick or have a family emergency and are unable to work their scheduled shift.  Once a replacement is identified, the kennel manager is notified of the change in the schedule. In the event of an emergency, such as a ride in an ambulance, the Kennel Manager may assist the ACT with providing coverage.

3.  Organizational Leadership

·       Serves as exemplary role model to animal care staff and upholds a culture congruent with Care First vision,              mission, and values.

·       Collaborates with Practice Manager on operation and staffing.

·       Collaborates with Practice Manager on Animal Care Checklists

·       Represents individual location as a leader during leadership meetings.

·       Collaborates with Kennel Managers of other locations to share resources in order to optimize and meet scheduling needs.

·        Serves as the primary liaison between Animal Care and Customer Service Technicians.

·        Analyzes problems and initiates work improvements.

·       Stays abreast of current industry trends.

·        Keeps Practice Manager informed of progress, concerns, and employee performance.

·       Utilizing the Practice Manager as a resource, responds to concerns regarding the kennel and bathing operations.

·        Keeps Veterinarians informed of boarding animal’s health and behavior observations.

·       Ensures all kennel staff provide superior customer service.

·       Is a team player and represents the hospital in a professional and courteous manner at all times.  Provides quality service to our customers and staff, recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization.

·        Takes immediate action to address any safety concerns or noncompliance with OSHA safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal or the practice at risk.

·        Takes immediate action to address any safety concerns or noncompliance with OSHA safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal or the practice at risk.

And other responsibilities as needed.  

*Must have at least 1-2 years of kennel experience*