Kennel Assistant

3 months ago


Knoxville, United States Heartland Veterinary Partners LLC Full time

​​​​​​Do you love animals? Are you looking to start your career in Veterinary Medicine?

We are seeking a reliable and dependable Kennel Assistant for our kennel/boarding facility. This is a fantastic opportunity to begin a rewarding career path. We are willing to train you and support your veterinary field goals. If you're passionate about animal care and eager to grow in the veterinary field, we'd love to hear from you

About Northshore Animal Hospital
​​​​​​Northshore Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN is a full service companion animal hospital. It is our commitment to provide quality veterinary care throughout the life of your pet.

Our services and facilities are designed to assist in routine preventive care for young, healthy pets; early detection and treatment of disease as your pet ages; and complete medical and surgical care as necessary during his or her lifetime.

​​​​​Hours of operation: Mon-Thursday 7:30 a-6p, F 7:30-5:30p, Sat 9-12

Kennel shifts: Sat 5-7pm, Sunday 8-10 am and 5-7 pm

Pay range: $13 - $14 p/hr

Benefits Offered for our full-time team members

  • Paid time off
  • Health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance
  • Retirement benefits or accounts
  • Bonus incentive
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Career and professional development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program

Position Purpose
Reporting into the Practice Manager, the Kennel Attendant provides care to address the needs of patients that are visiting the practice for grooming and / or boarding. The Kennel Attendant ensures that the boarding area is clean and safe for all patients by cleaning cages, runs, and ward areas and washing laundry. The Kennel Attendant walks, feeds, and administers medication to patients (as needed and supervised by Doctor or Technician and based on confidence and experience).

Essential Responsibilities

  • Provides great care and ensures patients are admitted noting the client’s specific instructions to ensure a quality outcome including contact information and pick up time.
  • Accurately and legibly records information related to the patient such as feeding schedules, appearance, and behavior during practice visit.
  • Observes patient’s appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
  • Appropriately handles patients and as needed, properly restrains hard-to-control patients.
  • Walks patients several times a day to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
  • Applies knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements and as required, provides special food and liquids.
  • Ensures patients are clean and fresh smelling and have been checked by a Technician / Doctor prior to discharge; ensures patient has all personal property upon exit.
  • Ensures cages and patients are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper areas and identified.
  • Regularly cleans, disinfects and maintain kennels, cages, runs and stalls as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Performs general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Washes and sterilizes water and food bowls..
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications

  • Full or part-time
  • Ability to work on weekends
  • Ability to lift patients up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients over 25 pounds with assistance
  • Practices OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE