Overview
Kennel Attendant Jobs in Bethany, CT at Bethany Veterinary Hospital
At Bethany Veterinary Hospital, our kennel assistants are responsible for the day-to-day care of patients and borders, in addition to the daily cleaning of our facility. This includes, but is not limited to feeding, watering, cleaning, taking out, bathing, and monitoring the well being of the dogs and cats in the hospital. Kennel assistants must have sufficient physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift and/or move heavy pets and objects, experience with holding and handling animals of all sizes, and the ability to monitor pets for signs of distress or disease. It is essential that they have the ability and willingness to learn and the desire to provide gentle, compassionate care for boarded and hospitalized pets. Kennel experience is not always a prerequisite for this position, but experience with animals in general is required.
This position requires that the individual have reliable transportation to and from the hospital on a daily basis. Also, the kennel assistant will be working alone in a closed hospital and will be expected to follow hospital closing policies when leaving the building for the evening.
The kennel assistant position will also include weekend kennel duties that will be shared with other Bethany Veterinary Hospital support staff.
General Knowledge
Know the range of services the practice provides and the species it treats.
Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors.
Follow OSHA and AHAA standards.
Use proper medical terminology when speaking and writing.
Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission. Know the most common zoonotic diseases.
Competently speak and write the English language.
General Tasks
Perform job tasks efficiently without rushing.
Remain on task at all times unless your help is needed by a technician or doctor.
Smile and maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job.
Handle stress and pressure with poise and tact.
Show respect for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times.
Have the physical strength and ability to stand for an entire shift when needed, and be able to lift pets and objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance, handle repetitive up-and-down or back-and-forth motions, and work while bending.
Maintain a list of tasks and engage in productive work during slow periods.
Assist other employees as needed. Avoid waiting for coworkers to ask for assistance.
Be willing and able to teach other staff members kennel skills
Be prepared to handle any pet or facilitate an emergency that may arise, weather-related emergencies. Follow contingency plans.
Be aware of and on the lookout for things that could be considered abnormal regarding any and all of the hospitalized or boarding animals.
Restrain pets in a manner that allows necessary work to be performed, minimizes stress to pets, and ensures the safety of pets and people.
Know how to identify fractious pets. Notify one of the technicians or doctors before handling these types of animals.
Aid veterinarians and technicians in evaluating incoming animals through examinations and health tests. Assist in administering vaccinations, giving nail trims, and or holding for blood draws.
Maximize pets’ comfort with a gentle and reassuring manner.
Provide all patients with clean, soft bedding and fresh water.
Prepare meals according to clients’ instructions, and feed animals. Note the volume of food eaten or rejected on cage cards or kennel logs.
Withhold food and water from pets scheduled for or recovering from surgical procedures and anesthesia as directed.
Rinse and refill water pails and dishes at least once daily. Wash and disinfect them as needed during pets’ stays.
Monitor pets and kennels/cages for urine, feces, vomit, and blood. When noted, clean pets, kennels, runs, or litter pans immediately. Note incidents on cage cards or kennel logs.
Collect and save urine and fecal samples as requested.
Continuously monitor pets in your care. Pay particular attention to signs of distress, illness, or injury.
Maintain hospital building and grounds cleanliness, alerting the practice owner or manager if repairs are needed.
Work Remotely
No
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Schedule:
Day shift
Evening shift
Holidays
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Title: Kennel Attendant
Company: Bethany Veterinary Hospital
Location: Bethany, CT
