Lead Kennel

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

Love animals and leading a team? As Kennel Lead at Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Resort and Spa, you’ll help make sure every pet in our care feels safe, clean, and comfortable, just like home (maybe even better!). You'll manage the day-to-day kennel operations, guide a team of caring staff, and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

You'll work closely with our hospital leadership to make sure our care protocols are followed and our standards stay high. Whether it’s coordinating with medical staff, helping improve processes, or supporting team morale, you’ll play a key role in making things better for both pets and people.

If you're organized, love working with animals and people, and want to help create a clean, happy, and efficient space for pets, we’d love to have you lead the pack.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent - check!

• Experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter, or veterinary setting is a big plus.

• Basic knowledge of animal behavior, health, and safety protocols, or a willingness to learn.

• Comfortable leading a team and helping others do their best work.

• Organized, reliable, and a strong communicator (with both people and pets!).

• Bonus points if you’ve worked with pet parents or used veterinary software before, but we’re happy to train the right person.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some background in animal care or kennel management is a big plus (certifications are great, but not a deal-breaker).

• Experience working in a veterinary hospital or similar animal care setting helps you hit the ground running.

• Comfortable handling basic animal first aid and knowing what to do in an emergency.

• Familiar with veterinary software and keeping good records — or at least tech-savvy and willing to learn.

• Great with people! Previous experience helping pet parents in a customer service role is a bonus.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the kennel team to keep things running smoothly, cleanly, and safely for all animals in our care.

• Make sure every pet gets the right food, exercise, and enrichment based on their unique needs and any instructions from our veterinary team or their owner.

• Keep an eye on animal health and behavior; if something seems off, you’ll be the first to flag it to the medical staff.

• Stay on top of care records like feeding times, medications, and cleaning schedules - accuracy matters!

• Train and guide kennel staff to follow best practices, safety procedures, and hospital policies, helping everyone provide top-notch care.

• Keep an eye on kennel supplies and equipment, restocking and arranging maintenance as needed so nothing runs out or breaks down.

• Talk with pet owners in a friendly, professional way - giving updates, answering questions, and sharing any special care notes.

• Work closely with our veterinary and front desk teams to keep everything coordinated and running smoothly - happy pets, happy clients.

As Kennel Lead, you’ll put your leadership and organization skills to work every day, keeping the team on track and the kennel running like clockwork. Great communication is key, whether you're coordinating with the vet team, supporting staff, or chatting with pet parents. A good understanding of animal behavior and health helps you notice when something’s off and take action quickly. You’ll need an eye for detail to keep records accurate and everything up to safety standards. And when surprises pop up (because they always do!), your problem-solving skills will help keep things calm, safe, and running smoothly for both pets and people.