Job Description
The kennel attendant is responsible for the daily care, feeding and exercise of all boarding and hospitalized pets. He/She is to pay close attention to pets’ status such as signs of stress and changes in eating or elimination habits, promptly notifying technicians and/or veterinarians when a pet needs medical attention. Assisting the technicians and doctors is required, which includes animal restraint, assisting in surgery/treatments and client service. The kennel attendant interacts with clients in person and by phone. Proper record documentation and accurate completion of boarding paperwork is critical. A kennel attendant must pay close attention to details, understand and follow proper feeding and sanitation procedures and monitor boarding and hospitalized pets. A kennel attendant is also responsible for all hospital maintenance including the parking lot. We offer the potential for growth and opportunity to train to become Veterinary Assistant!
Job Responsibilities
- Provide compassionate care to boarding pets and hospitalized patients
- Walk through kennel areas regularly, checking each pet for abnormal activity such as vomiting, diarrhea or blood in the cage/run
- Recognize emergency situations, enlisting the aid of doctors and technicians
- Mark records correctly for abnormal eating/weight/elimination habits
- Feed and water animals according to schedules and special instructions
- Clean and disinfect cages, runs and yards as needed, using hoses and spray bottles fo disinfectant. Use squeegees to remove excess water.
- Clean cat litter boxes and disinfect kitty condos.
- Clean and disinfect all water and food bowls.
- Wear personal protective equipment required for each job duty and keep PPE in good working order. PPE includes goggles or face shields, aprons, gloves and/or other equipment assigned.
- Move pets to outside runs to disinfect kennels no less than four times daily. Return animals to correct kennels.
- Replace soiled bedding in cages/runs.
- Operate washer/dryer to clean hospital laundry.
- Give baths to pets on scheduled day of departure, or as necessary during boarding/hospitalization; this may include performing medicated baths or dips.
- Perform nail trimming and ear cleaning for boarding pets as needed.
- Supervise animals when they are in outdoor areas.
- Perform “cuddletime” and “daycare” as requested by the clients
- Assist the receptionist in the boarding pet check-in/out; this includes retrieving and bringing up pet from boarding, taking special instructions for feeding or additional services, returning all personal items upon discharge, and keeping record of all important information.
- Administer flea and tick control on pets as requested by a veterinarian
- Place ID collars on all animals
- Take pets to treatment area for all medical services to be administered.
- Collect any samples (fecal or urine) as requested by a veterinarian.
- Sweep /Vacuum and mop all hospital floors and change all garbages.
- Keep parking lot and dumpster areas clean.
- Know proper animal handling and restraint techniques
- Provide facility tours for clients, explain services offered
- Maintain food and supply storage
- Understand infectious diseases and how to control and prevent their spread
- Communicate with clients in person and on the phone
- Attend monthly mandatory staff meetings
Physical Obligations:
- Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Endure standing and walking on hard floor surfaces for extended periods of time
- Able to work in noisy work conditions with sounds from animals and equipment
- Take safety precautions for exposure to toxins, drugs, anesthesia and radiation
Job Details
Employment Type:
Full-time
Earliest Start Date:
04-May-2021
Job Location
Chicago, Illinois, United States
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