Part-Time Kennel Technician

Kennel Technician

Definition: Feeds, waters, walks, cleans and sanitizes kennels and equipment, observes animals for signs of distress or illness, and safely restrains and handles animals as needed. Maintains laundry, bedding, and supplies. Records basic intake and output information. Supports Animal Control Officers and shelter operations.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Kennel Technician is an entry-level classification responsible for providing routine daily care and maintenance for animals housed at the animal shelter under the general supervision of the Animal Control Officer or designated supervisor. This classification supports shelter operations but does not perform animal control enforcement activities or respond to field calls, complaints, or emergency incidents. Unlike Animal Control Officers, Kennel Technicians are assigned exclusively to shelter-based duties and are not responsible for investigating violations, capturing animals in the field, or enforcing animal control laws and ordinances.

Minimum Qualifications: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in a kennel, shelter, or animal hospital.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements: Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Working Conditions: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions: Work around sick or injured animals, cleaning chemicals, zoonotic diseases, strong odors, noise, and wet environments. Work may include weekends and holidays and variable shifts.

Physical Demands: Medium Work: Strength, stamina, coordination, and balance to stand and walk for long periods; bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to clean and handle animals and equipment; lift and carry animals and supplies up to 50 pounds; work in constant motion; maintain alertness in a busy kennel setting.

Essential Job Duties: The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties listed and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address temporary or permanent changes in business needs and/or practices.

• Provide compassionate daily care for animals housed in the shelter.
• Feed and water animals as prescribed and record appetite, water intake, fecal and urine output.
• Recognize and report unusual conditions, behaviors, or signs of distress or disease.
• Clean and sanitize cages, runs, wards, bowls, litter boxes, and related areas using safe chemical practices and PPE.
• Maintain laundry, bedding, and a regular chore schedule to keep areas clean and stocked.
• Walk animals according to schedule and provide safe, humane handling and restraint to assist Animal Control Officers.
• Follow oral and written directions and correctly prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate clearly and courteously with coworkers and with the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic animal care, handling, and sanitation practices in a kennel or shelter.
• Safe use of chemicals and disinfectants.
• Basic recordkeeping for animal care tasks.

Ability to/Skill in:

• Humane animal handling and basic restraint.
• Identifying routine health or behavior concerns and escalating appropriately.
• Attention to detail and sense of urgency, ability to prioritize with an emphasis on quality and accuracy of work.
• Customer service and teamwork.