Part Time, Animal Care Attendant/Housekeeper

Part Time Availability Only

Located in New York's Capital District, Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics have been providing quality care for patients for over 40 years. Our veterinary clinics are fast paced, high volume practices that service small animals, pocket pets and exotics. Providing medical and surgical services including acupuncture and eastern medicine.

Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics are privately owned practices, located in Latham and Troy, New York respectively. David A. Wagoner DVM started working at the clinics when he was in high school. Dr. Wagoner bought into the practice in 1995 and became the sole owner in 2011. Dr. Wagoner's main focus is exceptional patient and client care at a reasonable price.

Position Overview

Animal Care staff members are responsible for proper husbandry care of all hospitalized and boarded animals, including feeding, bathing, record keeping and the cleanliness of cages, runs and ward areas. In addition, the Animal Care staff is also responsible for the cleanliness of the hospital. 

Qualifications/Requirements

- FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE, WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS A MUST

Education and Licensure Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Genuinely enjoys working around animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain
• Can work unaffected in an environment where dogs are barking
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals and food bags (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs)
• Working Conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases. 

Job Performance/Duties include but are not limited to the following...

• Provides compassionate care to patients
• Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks
• Receives animals to be admitted, is responsible for their proper identification and for recording their respective locations
• Releases animals to their owners as directed by the doctor; ensures that every animal released is clean and properly groomed prior to their release
• Has the ability to communicate with owners and make them feel comfortable with leaving their pet(s) in our care
• Can follow a regular schedule for cleaning and sanitizing all cages, runs, wards and related areas; changes litter boxes and food/water bowls
• Can feed each animal as prescribed by the attending doctor or as the owner has requested and records appetites.
• Understands the importance of prioritizing tasks and keeps oneself busy and productive during work shifts.
• Can maintain laundry for the hospital.
• Maintains the grounds of the property including waste disposal, light maintenance of landscape upkeep and general building maintenance.
• Can give baths and brush out patients.
• Can collect urine and fecal specimens.
• Can give hospital tours while highlighting features that differentiate us from other hospitals in our area.
• Can recognize and report any unusual condition or abnormal behavior of a patient in our care. 
• Can assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications or with patient restraint.
• Cleans equipment and facilities using appropriate chemicals and supplies; understands the importance of safety of use of chemicals in our facility.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the hospital each day.
• Understands and carries out the weekly and monthly chore list to maintain the hospital cleanliness, the equipment, and overall appearance of the hospital.
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Can maintain positive, cooperative relationships with other employees
• Can display tact and respect with team members even when busy.
• Can maintain a clean, neat and well-organized work environment.
• Can maintain a professional image at all times

Experience Requirements

• Previous experience in animal care is optimal but not mandatory