Kennel assistant

Kennel Technician

These functions include, but are not limited to, providing the care and basic needs of animals being groomed, boarded or that are patients of Alamo dog and cat hospital, including cleaning of cages and runs and ward areas and the proper feeding and care of all hospitalized animals. This position also encompasses all the duties of the kennel assistant. This role operates under the supervision of the Practice Manager and Lead Tech.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Assist techs, in their performance of a variety of service functions that facilitate the work of the technicians, receptionists, veterinarians and practice manager who directly or indirectly provide patient care.
• Develop and implement our routine priority system that will facilitate the standards set by the owner-doctor as they apply to the care of animals and maintenance of the building. Set standards of performance that must be met to effectively keep the reception area and the hospital running smoothly.
• Observe and report any repairs and maintenance to the office manager. Provide and enforce a maintenance schedule of building equipment needed.

Kennel Assistant Responsibilities:

• Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Properly handle patients as required and appropriately restrain patients as directed.
• Walk hospitalized and boarded dogs several times a day according to hospital protocol to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
• Bathe, groom and provide Tender Loving Care to boarded and hospitalized patients.
• Provide care for pet housed/visiting the hospital. Report signs of illness, disease, injury or unusual activity to animal health technicians/veterinarians.
• Apply knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements of animals. As required, provide special food and liquids.
• Discharge and admit patients at the request of receptionists, practitioners and animal health technicians. Assure patients being discharged have been checked by animal health technician and/or practitioner. Ensure that patients are clean and fresh smelling prior to discharge.

Job Description:

Under the supervision of veterinarians or technicians assist with the administration of medications, post operative care or preparation of samples for laboratory examination, collect specimens, clean instruments, fill prescriptions as authorized.

Ensure that cages and patients are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.

Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.

Launder and dry towels and blankets. Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material. Empty trash.

Groom animals utilizing techniques that vary depending on type of hair, coat, breed and owner instructions. Bathe and dry animals. As required, perform pedicures.

Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, behavior of patients that are boarded, groomed or hospitalized.

Exhibit a technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products. Demonstrate the ability to explain and educate clients on products and answer their questions regarding product purchase/use.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge:

Knowledge of hospital procedures outlined in the employee manual as well as those that are implied (reasonable expectations). Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary terminology in order to accurately enter specific information onto patient records. Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament. Ability to gain animal confidence when restraining them for transport, grooming and/or treatment. Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint. Knowledge of grooming practices for wide range of small animals. Strong communication, has the ability to effectively solve problems dealing with team conflict to personnel issues and performance. Has the ability to direct, guide and assist a group of individuals.

Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction. Critical thinking - Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Ability to use cleaning materials and equipment with skill and efficiency. Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Amount of Time Spent on Task The job requires the following lifting requirements and/or exerted force be performed on the job. Amount of Time Spent on Lifting Amounts Task None Less than 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 More than 2/3 Stand X Walk X Sit X Use hands to finger, handle, or feel X Climb or balance X Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl X Talk or hear X Taste or smell X Lifting Amount None Less than 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 More than 2/3 Up to 10 pounds X Up to 25 pounds X Up to 50 pounds X Up to 100 pounds X (with assistance) More than 100 pounds X (with assistance)

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases. Work is normally performed inside; some outside work is required. Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

Essential Functions:

Train, supervise, and assist technicians in their performance of a variety of technical and client education duties. Provide guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. Conduct timely performance evaluations, mediate interpersonal problems and address concerns Make recommendations to the practice manager concerning personnel matters and assist with follow through of disciplinary actions. Ability handle and to restrain animals using appropriate procedures. Ability to walk animals. Ability to clean and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls Perform general cleaning in treatment, reception and surgery rooms to control the spread of disease, Wash and sterilize water and food bowls. Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent. Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function in order to fulfill the requirements of this position. Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practice. Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms. Frequently lift, carry dogs weighing 50 lbs. Walk and handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.

We are a Veterinary hospital that is currently open 7 days a week. This is a FT position. We ask that you be available and be flexible with your available hours. You would be asked to work some weekends, some mornings and some evenings.